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Kdmsnr Posted 16 years ago
Essay & Composition Writing

Strange sentence for me.

I'm reading below sentences:
The simple truth is articulated best by Emerson: "All the tools and engines on Earth are only extensions of man's limbs and senses." This articulates well the ancient sentiment that a tool does not the master craftsman make.
I can't understand why there is "does not" here and how to connect it with "the master craftman make". Would someone help me?
  

Top answer

" This articulates well the ancient sentiment that a tool does not the master craftsman make. This is not something one would expect to hear in an average casual conversation today, but it is correct usage. It simply means that just having a great tool, which in the hands of a master might facilitate the creation of a masterpiece, does not, in the hands of someone with less talent, make that person a master craftsman.

— Sam1947

  • " This articulates well the ancient sentiment that a tool does not the master craftsman make.
  • This is not something one would expect to hear in an average casual conversation today, but it is correct usage.
  • It simply means that just having a great tool, which in the hands of a master might facilitate the creation of a masterpiece, does not, in the hands of someone with less talent, make that person a master craftsman.
  • " I hope that addresses your question.
  • Think of Michelangelo and the simple chisel with which he carved the David, which, if you have not seen, is worth a trip to Florence.
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2 Answers
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The simple truth is articulated best by Emerson: "All the tools and engines on Earth are only extensions of man's limbs and senses." This articulates well the ancient sentiment that a tool does not the master craftsman make.

This is not something one would expect to hear in an average casual conversation today, but it is correct usage. It simply means that just hav
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sam1947
This is not something one would expect to hear in an average casual conversation today, but it is correct usage.
Thank you for your detail explanation and great Michelangelo example. I understand that is a kind of oldish usage.
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