But technology is the real skin of our species. Humanity…
“But technology is the real skin of our species. Humanity, correctly seen in the context of the last five hundred years, is an extruder of technological material. We take in matter that has a low degree of organization; we put it through mental filters, and we extrude jewelry, gospels, space shuttles. This is what we do. We are like coral animals embedded in a technological reef of extruded psychic objects. All our tool making implies our belief in an ultimate tool. That tool is the flying saucer, or the soul, exteriorized in three-dimensional space.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humanity shapes its identity through technology, turning raw matter into cultural artifacts and tools that reflect deeper beliefs.
In simple terms: We define ourselves by the tech we create.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how tech molds our values.
Themes
technology
identity
culture
creativity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- design
- art
- science
- daily life
- future planning
Key Concepts
material transformation
symbolic meaning
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your tech use reflect your core beliefs?
- In what ways might technology limit human potential?
A Different Perspective
Technology can also constrain imagination and reinforce existing power structures.