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Men of today seem to feel more acutely than ever the paradox of their condition. They know themselves to be the supreme end to which all action should be subordinated, but the exigencies of action force them to treat one another as instruments or obstacles, as means. The more widespread their mastery of the world, the more they find themselves crushed by uncontrollable forces.

Simone De Beauvoir#39

FreedomHumanityOppressionProgressSystems

About this quote

What does it mean?
Humans seek purpose yet become tools to each other, creating a paradox where progress increases oppression.
In plain terms
We are meant to be ends but often treat each other as means.
What can you take from it?
Progress can trap us in systems that dehumanize us.

Where it applies

  • workplace dynamics
  • political systems
  • philosophical reflection

Putting it to work

  • recognize dehumanization
  • prioritize people
  • rethink progress

Questions to consider

  • How do you treat others as tools?
  • Is progress worth the cost?

Another view

It may ignore individual agency within systems.

More from Simone De Beauvoir

  1. At the present time there still exist many doctrines which choose to leave in the shadow certain troubling aspects of a too complex situation. But their attemp…

    Permalink to quote #38
  2. In spite of so many stubborn lies, at every moment, at every opportunity, the truth comes to light, the truth of life and death, of my solitude and my bond wit…

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. In horror, in terror, she accepted the metamorphosis - gnat, foam, ant, until death. And it's only the beginning, she thought. She stood motionless, as if it w…

    Permalink to quote #37

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