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Call it freedom, it’s based on control. Everybody…

“Call it freedom, it’s based on control. Everybody connected together, impossible anybody should ever get lost, ever again. Take the next step, connect it to these cell phones, you’ve got a total Web of surveillance, inescapable. You remember the comics in the Daily News ? Dick Tracy’s wrist radio?…” quote by Thomas Pynchon
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““Call it freedom, it’s based on control. Everybody connected together, impossible anybody should ever get lost, ever again. Take the next step, connect it to these cell phones, you’ve got a total Web of surveillance, inescapable. You remember the comics in the Daily News ? Dick Tracy’s wrist radio? It’ll be everywhere, the rubes’ll all be begging to wear one, handcuffs of the future. Terrific. What they dream about at the Pentagon, worldwide martial law.””

Thomas Pynchon

About This Quote

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

Surveillance becomes pervasive through technology, turning control into an inescapable network.

In simple terms: Tech creates a total surveillance web.

Key Takeaway

Beware of growing tech control.

Themes

surveillance technology freedom control

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • personal data use
  • public awareness

Key Concepts

digital monitoring privacy erosion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What freedoms are most at risk?
  • Can surveillance ever be justified?
A Different Perspective

Some argue surveillance can increase safety.

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