sense of agency...

Sense of agency is the perception that we have a modicum of control in our lives... that we can take meaningful action to make changes and bring things into our power and under our direct control. It is an important sense that can forestall anxiety and depression. "The concept of agency implies an active organism, one who desires, makes plans, and carries out actions." As we put more and more entertainment boxes in the hands of our children we can wonder if they will ever have a sense of agency with regard to the real world, of if the virtual one, that is so entertaining will be enough.

If you wonder how to find such a sense, you can begin by taking a straight shaving off a plank. Hold a real tool in your hand and regain a sense of your own power.

make, fix and create...