"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
This quote by Bertrand Russell talks to the complex relationship between people and devices. Makers are both worshipped and disliked, depending on the context. On one hand, machines are viewed as gorgeous and effective, and are therefore worshipped for their capability to make life simpler. On the other hand, makers can be viewed as hideous and overbearing, and are therefore loathed for their ability to enslave people. This quote highlights the ambivalence of the human-machine relationship, and suggests that machines can be both a blessing and a curse. Ultimately, it is up to human beings to choose how to use devices, and to make sure that they are used in a way that benefits society.
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