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Computers Quote by C.S. Lewis

“In reality, of course, if any one age really attains, by eugenics and scientific education, the power to make its descendants what it pleases, all men who live after it are the patients of that power. They are weaker, not stronger: for though we may have put wonderful machines in their hands we…” quote by C.S. Lewis
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““In reality, of course, if any one age really attains, by eugenics and scientific education, the power to make its descendants what it pleases, all men who live after it are the patients of that power. They are weaker, not stronger: for though we may have put wonderful machines in their hands we have pre-ordained how they are to use them. And if, as is almost certain, the age which had thus attained maximum power over posterity were also the age most emancipated from tradition, it would be engaged in reducing the power of its predecessors almost as drastically as that of its successors. And we must also remember that, quite apart from this, the later a generation comes—the nearer it lives to that date at which the species becomes extinct—the less power it will have in the forward direction, because its subjects will be so few. There is therefore no question of a power vested in the race as a whole steadily growing as long as the race survives. The last men, far from being the heirs of power, will be of all men most subject to the dead hand of the great planners and conditioners and will themselves exercise least power upon the future.””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

Future generations may be controlled by powerful elites, limiting true freedom and agency.

In simple terms: Powerful groups may dominate future societies.

Key Takeaway

Beware of concentrated power over humanity.

Themes

power ethics future generations

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education reform
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

social engineering technological determinism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who should hold power for the common good?
  • How can societies guard against authoritarian planning?
A Different Perspective

Power can also enable positive change if responsibly used.

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