In lyrical prose, Jim Webster lays out his view on the universal human use of tools and how "humans meet the practical demands of life." Webster lauds physical work and the work of the hand as they both support engagement, social cooperation, a deepening of relationships, and sustainability. Practical work is valuable and is plentiful as it generates reciprocal community, dignity, self-awareness, and provides opportunity by giving comfort, refining skills, expressing creative insight, and imparting a sense of gratitude. [This article is based on the talk presented at the NAMTA adolescent workshop titled "From Childhood to Adolescence: Keys, Disciplines, Social Organization, and Life-Long Impact," at the AMI/USA Refresher Course, Houston, TX, Feb 14-17, 2014.]