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We spoke for ages about retrofitting an old dishwasher in my pastry section at work.

All along I was reticent to the idea.

It finally happened, this morning.

I really didn’t like it, then I really loved it, then the machine broke down. All within my five hours work shift.

Here’s from R. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, on machines and peace of mind:

“Peace of mind isn’t at all superficial, really,” I expound. “It’s the whole thing. That which produces it is good maintenance; that which disturbs it is poor maintenance. What we call workability of the machine is just an objectification of this peace of mind.

The ultimate test’s always your own serenity. If you don’t have this when you start and maintain it while you’re working you’re likely to build your personal problems right into the machine itself.

[…]

The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn’t any other test. If the machine produces tranquillity it’s right. If it disturbs you it’s wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed. The test of the machine’s always your own mind. There isn’t any other test.”

A pretty fitting take on this story, to be continued.