Famous quote by Bertrand Russell

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Machines are worshipped because they are beautiful and valued because they confer power they are hated because they are
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"Machines are worshipped because they are beautiful and valued because they confer power; they are hated because they are hideous and loathed because they impose slavery"

- Bertrand Russell

About this Quote

Bertrand Russell, a popular philosopher, is highlighting the complex relationship between people and makers in this quote. It underscores a duality in our understanding and interaction with technology and equipment.

To start with, Russell recommends that devices are "worshipped because they are stunning." This speaks to the visual and ingenious accomplishments of technology, where machines are appreciated for their accuracy, effectiveness, and ability to push the borders of what is possible. The "beauty" here can likewise be interpreted metaphorically, as it incorporates the elegance of design and the intellectual accomplishment they embody, sparking affection and fascination.

Secondly, devices are "valued due to the fact that they give power." Here, Russell touches on the empowering element of innovation. Devices extend our abilities, enabling us to carry out jobs beyond our natural abilities, whether through physical strength, speed, or intellectual output. This empowerment can lead to social development, economic development, and boosted lifestyle, which considerably adds to why we hold machines in such high regard.

Conversely, Russell likewise highlights the negative beliefs towards devices. They are "disliked because they are hideous," which contrasts with the earlier visual affection. This "hideousness" might refer to the cold, impersonal nature of machines, which lack the heat and mankind we value. In addition, makers typically represent the commercial landscape's harshness, pollution, and environmental degradation, which can be perceived as monstrous when compared to nature.

Lastly, machines are "hated since they enforce slavery," reflecting the fear that technology might cut human flexibility and autonomy. This shadow side includes concerns over dependency on makers, loss of jobs due to automation, and a disintegration of skills. The "slavery" enforced by devices also speaks with the way they can determine the rhythms of human life, from the rate of operate in factories to our reliance on devices in every day life, making people feel trapped in a cycle of technological demands.

In summary, Russell's quote presents a nuanced view of innovation, recognizing both its potential to raise and its power to subjugate, encapsulating the eternal stress between development and autonomy.

About the Author

Bertrand Russell This quote is written / told by Bertrand Russell between May 18, 1872 and February 2, 1970. He was a famous Philosopher from United Kingdom. The author also have 102 other quotes.

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