From the Publisher
“Mr. Groves recovers a profound truth: a job is not an end in itself; it is rather one means—and only one means—toward building a rich and satisfying life, toward human flourishing.”
—Allan C. Carlson, editor of The Natural Family: An International Journal of Research and Policy
“Since the publications of Man of the House and The Household and the War for the Cosmos, a number of people have asked me for additional help—especially when it comes to the matter of ‘What can I do now?’ Rory has the book for them. Durable Trades is a book designed to help people identify trades that can be held by households—household-friendly trades, you could say—as well as trades that are likely to remain viable for the foreseeable future. His book merits your consideration.”
—C. R. Wiley, author of Man of the House and The Household and the War for the Cosmos
“Rory Groves lays down a solid foundation in proving the durability and economic value of certain basic skills in the marketplace over time. Peruse the trades he names and ask whether you would care to be without the practical services they provide. Because those services are essential they are in high demand. Hence, the people who become expert in them are well-paid. An excellent formula for their economic well-being. . . . Durable Trades is a durable read.”
—Mike Cheney, author of One With Everything
“This book should be in every home and school library. Rory profoundly evaluates and articulates the significant impact that the Industrial Revolution had—and continues to have—on society and culture. One is awakened to how much, as a culture, we have paid for ‘convenience.’”
—Paul Gautschi, master gardener and originator of the Back to Eden gardening method
“Here is a preeminently relevant, strategic, and helpful book for families in the twenty-first century! With the extreme instability and upheaval that so characterize the debt-laden world economy today, Christian families will need such a resource as this to both survive and thrive.”
—Kevin Swanson, Generations Radio
“Not every book is necessary—not by a long shot—but Durable Trades is necessary.”
—Wendell Berry
“If you desire to build your life and work around a durable, resilient, and family-centered career then Durable Trades is an excellent place to start your journey.”
—Mother Earth News
“An excellent introductory guidebook, the first foray into making the Christian Family-Work Movement a practical reality for ordinary people.”
—Catholic World Report
“Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, thoughtful and thought-provoking, Durable Trades is especially and unreservedly recommended.”
—Midwest Book Review
“The book has a prescient and nearly prophetic voice, as is often the case when reminding people of forgotten truths.”
—Hearth & Field
“Durable Trades is more than a career guide; it’s a treatise on why certain professions have always been necessary and what makes a career fulfilling. It is also an argument for a return to family-centered economies rather than a focus on climbing the career ladder.”
—PJ Media
“Even if you’re not searching for potential new careers, Durable Trades is a great read, describing how our fragile economies have compromised other values in life and offers discussion on ways to refocus on our jobs, families, and communities.”
—Countryside & Small Stock Journal
“Beautifully written, and timely. . . an outstanding work that will inspire individuals, families, and communities.”
—The Repository Project
