The following is from Otto Salomon's Theory of Educational Sloyd 4th edition, 1907:

As corporal labour has generally been performed by those who lacked culture, it came to be regarded as something in which cultured persons should not engage.

From a social point of view, if we would get rid of the antagonism between different classes of the community, and bring about a good understanding between them, it is absolutely necessary that each should respect and appreciate the work of the other; and that everybody alike should understand that all work, mental or manual, gives dignity to all who engage intelligently and properly therein.

The remedy for this situation proposed by Salomon was to place Educational Sloyd at the center of general education, meaning that it was to serve all... even those planning academic careers.

The shame of our current university system is that it perpetuates a class system based on the proposed primacy of the verbal/linguistic area of study and denial of the value of those who create culture through the expressions of their hands.

So, as I walked through the streets of Manhattan, like many tourists, I felt inclined to look up from the poverty and litter of ground level to the adornment on the beautiful buildings crafted long ago using hands-on creativity that few modern university students would understand. The tragedy is not just for those who are no longer challenged and empowered to create such beauty, but also for those academic successful students and teachers within the university system who may never have even the slightest inkling of their own creative power, nor the pleasure and satisfaction that can be derived from it.

Otto Salomon and Educational Sloyd offered a system long ago that was forgotten and ignored... but the hands are such an essential part of the human system of expression and creativity, that they will be remembered.

At some point, some great university will step beyond its sisters in recognition of the vast contributions to intellect and culture by the human hand. It will take courage. The Columbia fight song is "Roar, Lion Roar." I would love to see them take up the challenge. I'll be around for awhile if they want help.