Tactilism
Tactilism is a philosophy/religion that holds that the greatest and most useful tools are those attached to one's own body. Adherents are all united in the belief that in any situation where hands can accomplish a task without the use of tools, it is better to use hands even if tools would make the work faster or easier.
"No technology can simulate the grip, heat sense, texture recognition, delicately tunable force, and instant and visceral feedback provided by the hand and fingers."
Culture
There is no consensus on what it means to be a Tactilist. Within the overarching group are multiple factions with differing interpretations of manual labor, in particular regarding in what situations it is acceptable to use tools. Pragmatists consider it necessary to accept machinery as a cost of participating in a greater society, but that hands should always be preferred in personal endeavors.
"I don't mind using the presses at the factory. They apply more torque than I possibly could by hand. Besides, we're making things that go to other islands, so it doesn't matter to me how they're made. But when I'm baking at home, I've got to have my hands in that dough."Exclusivists take a much stricter view. Their belief is that if a process requires tools, then it should be avoided. Situationalists consider themselves a middle ground, preferring hands but weighing the circumstances to determine when tools may be necessary. The strictest Tactilist beliefs are held by a sect that refuses to cooperate with a civilization dependent on island energy. Calling themselves the Sacred Hands, they are descended from followers of an anti-steam activist who tried to stop the growing use of machines. When she failed, they formed their own community as a secretive town where they interact as little as possible even with other Tactilists.
Public Agenda
Whatever their individual beliefs, Tactilists as a whole promote the involvement of hands as much as is possible in every activity. They view it as a bodily need similar to air, water, and food.
"Machines create a distance between you and your work. If you can turn a wheel and walk away, are you really creating something?"
Assets
Many businesses are run by Tactilists, especially Pragmatists. They're less likely to use steam or lightning automation, but it also depends on the industry. The specialty fruit plantations on Tierq are easier to run using manual traditions than the factories on Ilfernasaeg.
History
Tactilism grew out of the atoll evacuations at the end of the Oceanic Era, specifically over differences of opinion on whether it's better to eat with tongs or with fingers. Both habits were already widespread among atoll dwellers, but the distinction didn't become important until refugees were forced into close contact. Whichever side a group leaned toward, they were more likely to associate with others of the same preference and disparage those who disagreed. The basic tenets of Tactilism were established around that time, encouraging those who championed fingers to develop an identity around it.
Mythology & Lore
Most Tactilists cite a nonstandard version of the legend of First One as justification for their beliefs. In it, First One--known simply as "The One" due to the story lacking the other traditional figures--carries the attributes of life into the world with his hands.
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