the span of control

Dominion over his environment was supposed to be one of the hallmarks of man. Now, that dominion is almost wholly vicarious, derived from the past ingenuity of others. In urban and industrial communities it is never direct, physical or spontaneous. Our implements are at twelve removes and we may all live inside so many thermos flasks. It may be well to remember how to use a pair of sticks and stones.

sybille bedford, the sudden view

as paul rand says: "It is important to use your hands, this is what distinguishes you from a cow or a computer operator."