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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lem questions whether using tools or manners changes the underlying nature of something destructive or harmful.
In plain terms
Using polite tools does not make a bad action good.
What can you take from it?
Surface changes do not fix fundamental problems.

Where it applies

  • discussing social change
  • evaluating technological impact
  • analyzing human behavior

Putting it to work

  • questioning superficial improvements
  • examining ethical progress

Questions to consider

  • Does manner change meaning?
  • What defines true progress?

Another view

Sometimes tools do genuinely improve safety and efficiency even if intent remains.

More from Stanislaw Lem

  1. Where do consequences lead? Depends on the escort.

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  2. The theme he stresses in most of his work is that machines will someday be as human as Homo sapiens and perhaps superior to him. Mr. Lem has an almost Dickensi…

    Permalink to quote #30

  3. No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.

    Permalink to quote #27

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