“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
When everything was handmade, quality was a direct reflection of the creator. Materials were expensive and time was invested to painstakingly craft items from silverware to shirts. Nothing was disposable because resources were scarce thus everything was valuable and treated as such, both by the user and by the maker.
There was an appreciation for things, whether it was a book (a relative rarity even up to a hundred years ago), a piece of music, or a document drafted by hand. Apprenticeships to develop mastery were the norm, and utility and functionality were prized co-equal with beauty.
In that sort of environment where everything required effort, where all objects and experiences required sacrifice to achieve, there was an appreciation that we have lost in our instant on demand and disposable world. If something can be gotten in the blink of an eye and disposed of as quickly, what value is created and is there time to recognize the importance of fleeting moments or goods, or are they reduced to distractions and junk?
The person that makes your food is a person and is trading part of their life to serve you. Honor them.
The food was grown by a farmer, that works the land and sweats and sacrifices for your supper.
The restaurant was built by laborers that crafted and constructed the building that is now housing the dreams of the owner, who invested capital and time and their emotions to provide you with your meal.
The chef has studied, both formally and informally. Experimented. Standing over a hot stove, hours and hours on their feet to feed you.
The cleaning crew that makes sure things sparkle and are sanitary and safe.
Every person gives of themselves in the economy, whether their body or their mind or other talents. They dedicate years to developing their abilities and trade their one non-renewable asset (time), to provide for you.
Honor others, whose work makes your life better. And do better, so that those partaking of what you create receive the best fruits of your labor that you have to offer.