Jumping between 2 bks. on the whims of fickle moments:
The Craftsman. By Richard Sennett. Bk. is a philosophical examination of craftsmanship, history and social impact on craftsmanship due to industrialization (=mass production), globalization (outsourcing) and free enterprise. For instance, he talks about the true craftsperson who just like to perfect their work for perfection sake. But forget the end result. He uses the example the creation of the atomic bomb as an example where bomb creator didn't think of destructive consequences thoroughly. References to skill of patient diagnosis by doctors and nurses if there is time and no push to be cost-efficient, vs. the revolving door of patient care treatment efficiencies. So lots of different ways of examing "craftsmanship" and what we now value/don't value as much.
http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Prof-Ric...3214&sr=1-1
One Foot in Laos. By Dervla Murphy. She is the prolific Irish cyclist and hiker. Has written travelogues over past 20 yrs. She is over 70 or late 60's in this trip. Am reading this 2nd time since I've had this bk. for awhile.
http://www.amazon.com/One-Foot-Laos-Derv...3413&sr=1-1