Homo Faber

Homo faber (Latin for “Man the Maker”) is the concept that human beings are able to control their fate and their environment as a result of the use of tools.

In Latin literature, Appius Claudius Caecus uses this term in his Sententiæ, referring to the ability of man to control his destiny and what surrounds him: Homo faber suae quisque fortunae (“Every man is the artifex of his destiny”).

In older anthropological discussions, Homo faber, as the “working man”, is confronted with Homo ludens, the “playing man”, who is concerned with amusements, humor, and leisure. It is also used in George Kubler’s book, The Shape of Time as a reference to individuals who create works of art.

The classic homo faber suae quisque fortunae was “rediscovered” by humanists in 14th century and was central in the Italian Renaissance.

“WHATEVER LIES STILL UNCARRIED FROM THE ABYSS WITHIN ME AS I DIE DIES WITH ME.”

~Frank Bidart

https://www.nickveasey.com/ to a kid, time always drags. Suddenly you’re 50. All that’s left of your childhood fits in a rusty little box.

~ Amélie (2001)