[vertline3]

I think that the idea of prioritizing work that is adding significant value is not so new, to be fair. Professors would go on sabbaticals to finish their book for instance.

[vinay427]

Right, but that's somewhat different from any "work" that existed before electronics arrived.

However, there was arguably less of a disconnect between "deep work" and "work" before electronics, compared to default "work" today.

[vertline3]

I don't think it is different from a work of high craftsmanship such as Chinese Jade carving. But maybe from a kind of labor that is non-skilled.