Some of them are blinding glimpses of the obvious (BGOs)…
““Some of them are blinding glimpses of the obvious (BGOs), several overlap, and I make no claims of discovery. The fundamental proposition – and the one from which most others flow – is certainly a BGO: (1) In times of peace, empirical experience fades and rationalist theory takes its place. This trend, we may aver, is most marked in periods of major technical change, for, (2) The advent of new technology assists the discrediting of previous empirical doctrine. Furthermore, through both myopia and self-interest, (3) The purveyors of new technology will be the most evangelising rationalists.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
In peaceful times, people rely on theory over experience, especially during major tech shifts; new tech undermines old ideas, and its creators become fervent rationalists.
In simple terms: People favor theory over experience, especially when new tech appears, and tech creators push rationalist views.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when technology drives rationalist bias.
Themes
philosophy
technology
rationalism
change
bias
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- technology adoption
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Epistemology
technological determinism
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- How does new technology reshape our trust in past knowledge?
- What safeguards can balance empirical and rationalist approaches?
A Different Perspective
May overlook valuable empirical insights in favor of theory.