David Pye's (The nature and art of workmanship. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1968) exploration of cultural workmanship challenges our perceptions of utility and effectiveness and draws a nuanced distinction between what is “useless” and what is “ineffectual.” Much like affection, laughter, or play, Pye argues that craft—although it may be deemed useless—is not ineffectual. To illustrate this point, consider the act of plastering a wall. The utility of plastering lies in its function to prevent the erosion of brickwork. However, the act of smoothing the plaster, though not functionally necessary, is a deliberate, albeit useless, effort.