[A] process was going on in which people were transformed…
![“[A] process was going on in which people were transformed into things, into pieces of reality which pure science can calculate and technical science can control. … [T]he safety which is guaranteed by well-functioning mechanisms for the technical control of nature, by the refined psychological…” quote by Paul Tillich](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/ab1/paul-tillich-3183_mean_a-process-was-going-on-in-which-people-w_829629.jpg)
“[A] process was going on in which people were transformed into things, into pieces of reality which pure science can calculate and technical science can control. … [T]he safety which is guaranteed by well-functioning mechanisms for the technical control of nature, by the refined psychological control of the person, by the rapidly increasing organizational control of society – this safety is bought at a high price: man, for whom all this was invented as a means, becomes a means himself in the service of means.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human beings are reduced to mere instruments when technology and bureaucracy dominate, sacrificing autonomy for safety.
In simple terms: People become tools of the system.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal freedom against over‑control.
Themes
technology
control
humanity
Mood
anxious
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- workplace
- government policy
- personal relationships
- healthcare systems
Key Concepts
instrumentalization
alienation
bureaucracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain agency in a highly regulated environment?
- What values should limit technological control?
A Different Perspective
Even efficient systems can erode dignity and self‑determination.