We're reading Fewer, Better Things, Glen Adamson's wonderful study of "material intelligence."  He offers beautiful insights into why we love craft.  Here's one:  "Let's consider them as points of contact between people.  Every object represents a potential social connection.  By better understanding the tangible things in our lives, we better understand our fellow humans."  

It's a must read:  https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/fewer-better-things-9781632869647/