The instinct of workmanship, and the state of industrial arts

by Thorstein Veblen

"The Instinct of Workmanship and the State of Industrial Arts" by Thorstein Veblen is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the relationship between human instincts, particularly the instinct of workmanship, and the evolution of industrial arts within various cultures. Veblen sets the stage for analyzing how technological practices are shaped by underlying instinctive human behaviors and the consequent social structures. At the start of the book, Veblen introduces the concept of instinctual behaviors that underpin human activity, suggesting that our workflows and cultural advancements are significantly influenced by innate proclivities. He discusses the diminishing emphasis on the term "instinct" in modern biological sciences, while asserting its relevance in understanding the development of cultural institutions. The opening chapter emphasizes that human actions are bound by these instincts, setting the foundation for a broader examination of how these instinctive behaviors intertwine with the progression of craftsmanship and technology. Veblen aims to demonstrate that the evolution of industrial arts is not just a product of technological demands but is deeply rooted in the complex interplay of human instincts and societal evolution.