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These include the beliefs that the primary, if not the…

“These include the beliefs that the primary, if not the only, goal of human labor and thought is efficiency; that technical calculation is in all respects superior to human judgment; that in fact human judgment cannot be trusted, because it is plagued by laxity, ambiguity, and unnecessary…” quote by Neil Postman
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““These include the beliefs that the primary, if not the only, goal of human labor and thought is efficiency; that technical calculation is in all respects superior to human judgment; that in fact human judgment cannot be trusted, because it is plagued by laxity, ambiguity, and unnecessary complexity; that subjectivity is an obstacle to clear thinking; that what cannot be measured either does not exist or is of no value; and that the affairs of citizens are best guided and conducted by experts.””

Neil Postman

About This Quote

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

Society overvalues efficiency and expert control, dismissing human judgment and unmeasurable values.

In simple terms: Efficiency obsession ignores human nuance.

Key Takeaway

Balance efficiency with human insight.

Themes

technology efficiency expertise

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education reform
  • business strategy
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

critical theory humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should all decisions be data‑driven?
  • How do we value intuition?
A Different Perspective

Efficiency can overlook ethical considerations.

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