Machines are worshipped because they are beautiful and valued because they confer power; they are hated because they are hideous and loathed because they impose slavery.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell notes that machines are both revered for their beauty and power and despised for the oppression they can cause.
- In plain terms
- We love machines for their power, hate them when they enslave us.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the dual nature of technology's impact.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a technology oppressive?
- How can we design machines that empower rather than dominate?
Another view
Not all machines lead to oppression; many improve freedom.
More from Bertrand Russell
It is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatever for supposing it true.
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Permalink to quote #98 In obedience to the feeling of reality, we shall insist that, in the analysis of propositions, nothing 'unreal' is to be admitted. But, after all, if there is …
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