But now, in this century of ideologies, the Gods and Destiny have been given new life. 'Miracles in the world are many,' Sophocles wrote in the fifth century BC. 'There is no greater miracle than man.' Suddenly, at the end of the twentieth century, we discover that no, after all, it isn't true. Historical inevitability is a greater miracle than man. As is the dialectic. As is the superiority of various groups according to blood type. As is the genius of an abstract mechanism called the market. As is the leadership of inanimate objects - called technology - which worker bees create and then, inevitably, are led by. These inevitabilities are great leaps backward into the arms of the Gods and Destiny.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ideologies like historical inevitability and technology act like modern gods, leading humans backward into superstition.
- In plain terms
- People worship ideas like history and tech like gods, which is a step backward for humanity.
- What can you take from it?
- Treat ideologies and technology with skepticism, not worship.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you believe progress is inevitable?
- How much control do you think humans have over history?
Another view
Some argue that progress relies on believing in inevitable historical trends.
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