"No man is an island" was John Donne, Thomas Merton was quoting when he used it as a title, as he'd have been the first to point out. (Here is a page of Merton originals - "When ambition ends, happiness begins", that's a good 'un.).

"Where is the pride in craftsmanship now?" One place is among people who make musical instruments. And often enough among people who play them. That's what's good about the folk world.