Never heard of this guy…but I’m already a fan.
The Internet is useful. Cell phones are useful. Technology by and large has been shown to be helpful to humanity: except when used for (un)intentional evil. The same could be said for Industry: millions, if not billions of lives improved…but the unintended consequences are legion.
Medical breakthroughs that cure disease are ‘good’…having a majority of the world population living until 120: maybe not so great. But decrying innovation in modern medicine is a position taken by heartless kooks and religious fanatics; not much point to it.
But the quasi-utopian rhetoric of the unlimited potential of technology as some kind of panacea that will give us everything we want while simultaneously making us better?
More often than not…it’s a sales pitch.
I get a fair amount of amusement in this brave new world, and I am truly grateful to live in these amazing times: and credit must be given to scientists/inventors/entrepreneurs with the foresight, acumen and drive that have brought so much new energy and improvements to our world. Yet I myself have little hope for the future: I mostly think that civilization is a thin veneer over bred in the bone savage tendencies, and technology both postpones and hastens our inevitable decline.
If I’m wrong; great! Save the planet smart people: we huddled masses are counting on you! And if it actually turns out to be mostly self-serving bullshit, eh, it’s been a pretty fun ride.
Anyhow, I enjoy pissed off contrarian diatribes: I’ll check out Mr. Morozov…though I wonder which book to start with…any recommendations?
