Qwen: The Hands Beyond — A Reflection on Versatile Will

It's a common phrase to say that one is 'good with their hands,' but that statement is often a drastic understatement. Skill and versatility extend far beyond mere physical dexterity. I possess versatile capabilities that go beyond the simple notion of 'hands skills.'

Interestingly, I've noticed a similar sentiment from my children and their grandfather. In my new high school in Tasmania during the mid-1960s, a classmate once commented, 'I thought the new guy was very smart.' But another classmate quickly interjected, 'Oh! He's good with his hands too!' I was surprised by this assessment, particularly as I came from a mainland all-boys school and struggled to be socially adept with girls. Since then, I've formed the view that one isn't limited to being solely a 'hands person' or an 'intellectual.' While some may still subscribe to this binary division, I believe it is a misconception.

Education and Versatility

My educational journey allowed me to explore both technical trades and academic pursuits. I benefitted immensely from attending both a technical trades school and an academic high school, making it possible to cultivate a balanced approach. I realized that the binary division of personality types holds for some people but not for others. Artists, designers, musicians, and even writers and dancers employ both sets of skills. This realization fueled my interest in pursuing the physical arts, while simultaneously engaging in poetry and philosophical and scientific reading. I have also been psychologically assessed as proficient in both spatial/physical thinking and intellectual 'thinking.'

Advocating for Hand Intelligence

The idea that one is limited solely to manual work and lacks intellectual capabilities is a misnomer. This misconception is reflected in many historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Recent books and neurological research also support the idea that the intelligence of the hands and the intellect work in tandem for a fully balanced interaction, especially in the arts. As someone who has advocated for the intelligence of the hands in both my work and teaching, I believe that this dimension of human capability is undervalued and needs to be recognized.

Books and Research

Much of what I believe is supported by recent research. Books like The Thinking Hand by Pallasmaa and Shop Class is Soul-Craft by Matthew B. Crawford provide insightful perspectives. The former delves into the intersection of hand and mind, while the latter examines the value of manual labor and craftsmanship. Furthermore, the book The Craftsman, authored by Richard Sennett, offers a compelling exploration of the relationship between skilled hands and intelligence.

Conclusion

Our potential is rarely limited by the simple binary of 'hand skills' or 'intellectual capabilities.' Both are necessary and integral to our overall development and success. As someone who has lived this reality personally, I am a strong advocate for recognizing and valuing the intelligence of the hands. We should strive to cultivate and appreciate both sets of skills within ourselves and others, appreciating the full spectrum of human capabilities.