Whence does the fisherman have the hook, or the cobbler the awl, or the tailor the needle unless from my labour?
The manager answers, You speak the truth, but it is preferable to us all to live with the farmer rather than with you, because the farmer gives us bread and drink, but you, what do you give us in your smithy except iron sparks, and the noise of beating sledge-hammers and blowing bellows?
The carpenter says, Which of you does not make use of my trade, when I build houses for you all, and ships, and various containers?
The smith answers, Hey carpenter, why do you speak like that, when indeed you could not make one hole without my trade?
The manager says, comrades and good craftsmen, let us quickly settle these disputes and let there be peace and concord among you, and let each benefit the others by his trade! And let us honour the farmer, from whom we obtain sustenance for ourselves and fodder for our horses! And I am giving all craftsmen this counsel: that each one go about his own trade keenly. Because he who neglects his trade is neglected by that trade. Whichever you are, whether priest, monk, peasant, or warrior, go about your trade keenly! And be what you are! Because it is a great loss and a big disgrace if one does not want to be that which he is and that which he must be.
| syllabus | schedule | resources | contact instructor | blackboard |