Aeroplanes Quote by Aldous Huxley
“Every notable advance in technique or organization has to be paid for, and in most cases the debit is more or less equivalent to the credit. Except of course when it's more than equivalent, as it has been with universal education, for example, or wireless, or these damned aeroplanes. In which case, of course, your progress is a step backwards and downwards.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Perennial Philosophy, 1945
Progress often costs more than its benefits, especially when new technologies create unintended setbacks.
In simple terms: Advances can cost more than they give.
Key Takeaway
We the costs before adopting new tech.
Themes
technology
economics
progress
tradeoffs
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- educational reform
- infrastructure planning
- business investment
- public health
Key Concepts
externalities
opportunity cost
systemic risk
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden costs does this technology impose?
- How can we measure true value?
A Different Perspective
Benefits may be outweighed by hidden harms.
