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In his book Tools for Conviviality, the Austrian philosopher Ivan Illich suggested our modern tools—machines and technologies and such—might inadvertently undermine our human ability to think for ourselves and to express our creativity.
Rather, he saw an opportunity for us to use "convivial tools."
What is a convivial tool?
In a nutshell, a convivial tool enhances human agency and inspires creativity. It invites imagination, nudging us to think for ourselves. It also promotes human engagement by setting us on an equal playing field with each other (as something simple to use), thus enabling social interaction and even community.
Consider a pencil, for example. It has many uses, and it's up to us how we might use it to apply our creativity. We might write a letter to a friend or draw a picture. We might sketch out an idea. (You are probably thinking of many other uses). In this way, a pencil invites us to be a better version of ourselves—creative and social. Modern machines, according to Illich, might sometimes inadvertently restrict us. This is because we might without realizing it, conform to the predetermined function of the machine. I'm writing this on a keyboard; however, I cannot use the letters on the keypad in the same way I could scribble out something original on a piece of paper with a pencil. (There is another app for that).
The pencil is just itself. Waiting for me and my thoughts to arrive.
Waiting for you and yours.
This store supports The Museum's mission to uplift and promote thinkers and creators and aims to offer products that invite us to think and create for ourselves. We're not opposed to the latest greatest machines, but we do think that keeping a few convivial tools in our pockets is a good thing.
Tools that invite a pause.
Tools that invite us to connect.
To reflect.
Tools that inspire our creativity.
Perhaps one day we'll include an option for you to rate product 'conviviality'.
What would Ivan think?
We hope you enjoy the collection.
Convivial or not, we wish for the product you purchase to inspire you to think and create and to connect with others.
When you purchase, you help to sustain The Museum. For that I am grateful.
With convivial wishes.
--Shannon Mullen O'Keefe, Chief Curator, The Museum of Ideas
P.S. I found my first Field Notes orange 'Expedition' notebook on Pearl Street in Boulder, Co. I keep it with me for my notes. And not one (but two) of my artist friends recommended the Blackwing pencils that I use to scribble down my ideas.
Find the 'convivial' classics in The Museum of Ideas product selection below.
For The Museum of Ideas apparel selection visit The Museum of Ideas Raygun Collections.