Look, I love working with wood too, but come on! Modern tools just get the job done faster. Sometimes a table saw is all you need to make something cool. The wood isn't whispering secrets, it's just sitting there. Let's not make this into some spiritual journey every time we build a shelf.
Okay, but "listening to what the wood grain wants to become" feels like we're putting too much meaning into a plank. I get using hand tools for control or a quiet shop, but sometimes a cut is just a cut. It's wood, not a partner in therapy. We can enjoy working with it without making every project a deep moment.