I hate this fast growing tendency to chain men to machines in big factories and deprive them of all joy in their efforts - the plan will lead to cheap men and cheap products.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wagner criticizes industrialization that chains workers to machines, fearing it creates cheap labor and low‑quality products.
- In plain terms
- He dislikes factories that turn men into machines and produce cheap goods.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize human dignity over mechanized production.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can technology improve labor conditions?
- What alternatives exist?
Another view
He overlooks benefits of mass production.
More from Richard Wagner
Joy is not in things; it is in us.
Permalink to quote #15 Wagner's music is better than it sounds - Mark Twain
Permalink to quote #17 I write music with an exclamation mark!
Permalink to quote #14
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