Welcome
to
The
Museum 
Shop
(Coming soon).

In his book Tools for Conviviality, the Austrian philosopher Ivan Illich suggested our modern tools—machines and technologies and such—inadvertently undermine our human ability to think for ourselves. ​ 

 

His antidote to this was the idea that we instead prioritize "convivial tools."

 

What is a convivial tool?

 

A convivial tool invites creativity, nudging us to think for ourselves and to engage with one another socially. 

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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. (You might call to mind many other potential uses.) In this way, a pencil invites us to be a better version of ourselves—creative and social. Modern machines, according to Illich, restrict us. We conform to the predetermined function of the machine. I'm writing this on a keyboard; however, I cannot draw on the keyboard in the same way I could with a pencil. (There is another application for that). The keyboard is specialized; it requires specialized knowledge, limiting accessibility and user control.

 

The pencil is just itself. Waiting for me and my thoughts to arrive.

 

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. Tools that invite us to think and connect. Perhaps one day we'll include an option for you to rate product 'conviviality'.

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Would Ivan approve of the product you purchase?

 

We hope you enjoy our convivial collection. 

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When you purchase, you help to sustain The Museum.

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With thanks, --Shannon