"Technology without hatred can be a blessing. Technology with hatred is always a disaster"

Simon Wiesenthal's statement emphasizes the profound impact human intention has on the uses of technology. At its core, technology is a tool, an extension of human creativity and curiosity, capable of transforming lives, improving health, and broadening access to information. Used with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to uplifting others, technology has created immense good: it connects distant communities, heals the sick, and opens doors to knowledge and opportunity. Countless humanitarian advances, from vaccines to clean water systems, renewable energy, and the instant communication offered by the internet, demonstrate that technology employed without malice or prejudice can be a fundamental force for blessing in society.

Yet, when the motivation behind technology is poisoned by hatred, whether it be racism, nationalism, vengeance, or similar destructive emotions, its potential shifts dramatically toward catastrophe. Throughout history, scientific and technological breakthroughs have been co-opted to serve the goals of oppression, violence, and genocide. During the Holocaust, for example, advancements in transportation, communication, and industrial processes were grotesquely repurposed to facilitate mass murder on an unprecedented scale. Modern times continue to provide sobering examples: online tools are wielded for harassment, surveillance technology is used to stifle dissent, and social media can be manipulated to spread misinformation and inflame divisions.

Wiesenthal’s reflection is especially poignant when considering his own experiences as a Holocaust survivor and tireless seeker of justice. He witnessed the consequences when the products of human ingenuity fall under the influence of hatred rather than compassion. It serves as a warning and a call for vigilance: the ethical responsibility for how technology is directed remains with its creators and users. Wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to peace must guide the deployment of our innovations, lest we transform blessings into disasters and turn progress into peril. The ultimate legacy of technology, for better or worse, lies in the values we choose to embody and empower through its use.