I've read about this before, I surely must try it out
Generally speaking, a lot of practical information and experience has disappeared.
People 'back in the day', even centuries ago were a lot smarter in certain aspects of life than we are now; most people nowadays are too busy sitting behind a desk or in the comfort of their own home; overusing science for everything. We think we are the supergenius supersmart generation. Of course in some aspects we're waaay better off. But that's not what I wanna get into.
A LOT of knowledge has gone to waste throughout the ages, a lot of practical, usable, applicable knowledge. We simply live in different times; ergo why we tend to appreciate the Artisan craftsmanship much more, because they've become much sparser.
But, but, but ... I need my powertools for that job, not really, but it's convenient and less of a hassle. Hard work is hard and all that
Also, when my barber shaves my neck hair with the shavette, then she proposes to shave my entire beard, I cringe.