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.
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
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you treat others as tools?
- Is progress worth the cost?
Another view
It may ignore individual agency within systems.
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