The Mind at Work - Mike Rose

After recently running out of non-fiction literature to read,. I took a trip over to see Kellie.  Although she didn't have all her non-fiction books on hand, it was enough because I found this little gem: The Mind at Work by Mike Rose.

When most people talk about or consider work, they divide it into two tiers: head up (more mentally challenging) or neck down (more physically demanding, but mindless).  Throughout a handful of years Rose investigates, observes, and interviews people who are waitresses, hair stylists, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, and a foreman - all considered "neck down" occupations due to lack of office - to figure out how mindless these occupations are or aren't.  In the beginning five chapters, it becomes apparent that these careers and occupations not only require dexterity and physical training, but also engages the mind in ways similar to "head up" jobs.

Specifically, many of these positions require at least a decent high school education as well as a proficiency in a set of social skills, money and resource management, high-level contextual vocabulary, applied science and mathematic integration, aesthetic awareness and, at times, a whole lot of physical endurance.  In the conclusion Rose goes on to quote neurologist Frank Wilson, "The brain does not live inside the head, even though that is its formal habitat.  It reaches out of the body, and with the body it reaches out to the world.  Brain is hand and hand is brain."

My bias as I was reading this book was in regards to education.  As a teacher and educator, I want to be aware and knowledge to where my teaching is going.  Many times, curious children are wondering when they are ever going to learn what is taught inside schools in the outside world.  Some of the activities taught (especially in mathematics) may not be applicable to every student, but it at least spurs and pushes the student in a way where they learn to think more analytically and logically about the world around them.  This is best expressed, discovered and adored in the application process.  To be aware of all the different ways mathematical ideas are used in these so called "low-level" occupations will strengthen my teaching, especially if I can learn to integrate it into my lessons.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in education, psychology, cultural studies, or any of the above named professions.  Personally, I have always valued many of the trades, however, I had little idea of how much mental work also went into their professions.  Prepare to be delightfully surprised.  My only reservation about the book is that you can tell that Rose is an English professor.  While most of the book is filled with love, down-to-earth and easy-to-read diction, the final chapters are a bit more difficult to read and stay engaged in.

Bacon Rating: 4 out of 5