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New Era Community (1926) - 12:
12. There should be instilled respect for craftsmanship, in order that it be understood as a higher distinction. Ancient working community-guilds left testimony of their vitality. One can see how people cultivated their skills toward perfection. They knew how to shield each other and how to guard the dignity of their community. So long as people do not learn to defend the merit of their fellow-workers they will not achieve the happiness of Common Good. Brotherhood (1937) - 49:
49. Among one's human incarnations there is invariably found an incarnation devoted to rhythmic labor. Whether this be some sort of craftsmanship or music, singing or farm work, every man infallibly will cultivate in himself the rhythm which fills all of life. Upon learning of certain incarnations, people frequently are astonished as to why they should have been so insignificant. But in them there was being worked out the rhythm of labor. One of the greatest of qualities, this must be acquired through conflict and patience. Brotherhood (1937) - 261:
261. Putting on the earthly envelope man has to create good, thus perfecting himself - so speaks wisdom from times immemorial. And over the Gates of Brotherhood constantly shines this Covenant. It will not be contradictory to those who understand the unmanifested, endless evil of imperfection. Though imperfection be inevitable, nevertheless there do exist branches of labor which embody good in its full significance. Is not the work of the husbandman good? Is not beautiful creativity good? Is not craftsmanship of lofty quality good? Is not knowledge good? Is not service for humanity good? It can be affirmed that the essence of life is good, yet man in his unwillingness for perfectment prefers to remain in ignorance, that is to say, in evil. Supermundane - The Inner Life - Book 2 (1938) - 440:
The teacher should have several skills in order to inspire his students beyond intellectual exercises to a higher quality of craftsmanship.
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