Yes, Black Elk IS very eloquent, and I think valuable for it because he helps folks, like me, to frame unexpressed ideas in terms more understandable and communicable. Posts like his are a kind of verbal Miracle Gro for stimulating deeper clarification and identification of issues and great discussion.
THAT SAID, verga, simple shop teacher ... !!! Not too long ago I did some business with a wood craftsman and artisan of extreme high-end caliber; his cabinetry and hand-fit solid wood spiral staircases and built-in buffets and paneling, etc. etc., is found in homes that sell in the neighborhood of $5 million to $10-plus million. He is very successful and a passionate artist. HE CREDITS HIS WOODSHOP TEACHER for inspiring him and having the faith in him to keep away from the bad high school crowd and use his skills. I know of a whole bunch of guys who love their careers and have good paying, challenging jobs in auto tech, machining, and various design fields (solving design problems) who credit shop teachers for giving them a good life direction.
So many very intelligent boys are just not cut out for college to get the highly-touted college degree, but who otherwise have all the right ingredients to be movers-and-shakers, like this woodworker. You "simple shop teachers" are every bit as valuable as any barrister!!!
Especially when you're conservative!! But I bet that a lot of shop teachers DO lean to the right.
Thank you for your kind words