This was so interesting. The idea of tinkerers for some reason made me think of Brie Wolfson's "Flounder Mode." It reclaiming a word that may be use derisively and highlighting its virtue.
I'm not as well versed in the history and science and inventions as you, but I do buy your thesis about innovation coming from these individuals; which I think creates an interesting counter point to the concern on the massive defunding of scientific research in the US right now. I don't think we have to see this as a binary (tinkering vs. institutional/large private research), but perhaps as the scientific communities try to figure out where to go from here, we can celebrate tinkerers and encourage them from every corner of the world (we need innovation now more than ever).
Great stuff, Anna-Sofia—I'm a big fan of your writing and look forward to having your books on my shelfs any day now (no pressure!)
This is such an important post and concept. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast in part because Belle's father is a tinkerer-inventor. He's played for laughs but consider how rare the figure is in children's literature.
Yes, exactly! I was just reading East of Eden, and the father, Samuel is a great inventor, though completely ridiculed by the entire town for being eccentric and odd. Steinbeck seems to suggest that, nonetheless, "inventor" was a familiar occurrence in most towns. Every village used to have one.
This was so interesting. The idea of tinkerers for some reason made me think of Brie Wolfson's "Flounder Mode." It reclaiming a word that may be use derisively and highlighting its virtue.
I'm not as well versed in the history and science and inventions as you, but I do buy your thesis about innovation coming from these individuals; which I think creates an interesting counter point to the concern on the massive defunding of scientific research in the US right now. I don't think we have to see this as a binary (tinkering vs. institutional/large private research), but perhaps as the scientific communities try to figure out where to go from here, we can celebrate tinkerers and encourage them from every corner of the world (we need innovation now more than ever).
Great stuff, Anna-Sofia—I'm a big fan of your writing and look forward to having your books on my shelfs any day now (no pressure!)
Thank you Anna-Sofia for sharing these stories; they were great to read!
This is such an important post and concept. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast in part because Belle's father is a tinkerer-inventor. He's played for laughs but consider how rare the figure is in children's literature.
Yes, exactly! I was just reading East of Eden, and the father, Samuel is a great inventor, though completely ridiculed by the entire town for being eccentric and odd. Steinbeck seems to suggest that, nonetheless, "inventor" was a familiar occurrence in most towns. Every village used to have one.
Wonderful
she’s back
I am glad to have these written down! Thank you again for sharing your time at Edge Esmeralda.