Skip to content

Ever since the arrival of printing - thought to be the…

“Ever since the arrival of printing - thought to be the invention of the devil because it would put false opinions into people's minds - people have been arguing that new technology would have disastrous consequences for language.” quote by David Crystal
Download Open image
“Ever since the arrival of printing - thought to be the invention of the devil because it would put false opinions into people's minds - people have been arguing that new technology would have disastrous consequences for language.”

David Crystal

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that new media are often blamed for corrupting language, a pattern repeating through history.

In simple terms: New tech is blamed for harming language.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate tech impacts before assuming doom.

Themes

media language technology history fear

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • media literacy
  • policy making
  • social media regulation

Key Concepts

cultural anxiety technological determinism public discourse

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance innovation with language preservation?
  • What evidence shows media actually improves communication?
A Different Perspective

Not all technological change is negative; benefits can outweigh harms.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by David Crystal

Explore all 79 David Crystal quotes

More Arguing quotes

Browse all 1,908 Arguing quotes