We have servants and machines in order that our will may…
““We have servants and machines in order that our will may be carried out beyond the reach of our own arms. Machines are more powerful than servants and more obedient and less rebellious, but machines have no judgment and will not remonstrate with us when our will is foolish, and will not disobey us when our will is evil. In times and places where people despise the gods, those most in need of servants have machines, or choose servants who will behave like machines. I believe this will continue””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Machines can execute tasks without judgment, raising ethical concerns about reliance on non‑human agents.
In simple terms: Machines lack judgment and can be misused.
Key Takeaway
Question the ethics of delegating decisions to machines.
Themes
technology
ethics
power
control
automation
Mood
cautious
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- workplace
- government policy
- military
- home automation
- AI development
Key Concepts
philosophy
AI ethics
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can ensure machines act responsibly?
- How do we retain human agency?
A Different Perspective
Machines may amplify harmful human intents if unchecked.