Crudeness Quote by Lucy Worsley
““The ground of the superiority of hand-wrought goods … is a certain margin of crudeness. The margin must never be so wide as to show bungling workmanship, since that would be evidence of low cost, nor so narrow as to suggest the ideal precision attained only by the machine, for that would be evidence of low cost.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Making of the Modern World, 2022
Hand‑crafted items must balance modest imperfection with enough skill to avoid appearing cheap, yet not be so perfect they seem machine‑made, which also signals low cost.
In simple terms: Craftsmanship needs a sweet spot between roughness and precision.
Key Takeaway
Aim for visible skill without over‑polishing.
Themes
craftsmanship
value
perception
cost
quality
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- selling handmade goods
- pricing strategy
- product design
- consumer education
Key Concepts
artisan trade
economic signaling
design standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide the right level of finish?
- When does precision become a liability?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on perfection can increase costs and reduce authenticity.
