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Monk Quote by Douglas Adams

“The Electric Monk was a labour-saving device, like a dishwasher or a video recorder. Dishwashers washed tedious dishes for you, thus saving you the bother of washing them yourself, video recorders watched tedious television for you, thus saving you the bother of looking at it yourself; Electric…” quote by Douglas Adams
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““The Electric Monk was a labour-saving device, like a dishwasher or a video recorder. Dishwashers washed tedious dishes for you, thus saving you the bother of washing them yourself, video recorders watched tedious television for you, thus saving you the bother of looking at it yourself; Electric Monks believed things for you, thus saving you what was becoming an increasingly onerous task, that of believing all the things the world expected you to believe. Unfortunately””

Douglas Adams

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, 1979

A device that takes over the mental labor of believing, freeing people from the burden of constant conformity.

In simple terms: A tool that does the thinking for you.

Key Takeaway

Beware of outsourcing critical thinking.

Themes

technology conformity automation faith critical thinking

Mood

cautious reflective critical

Type

philosophical satirical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • media consumption
  • religious belief
  • education
  • workplace dynamics

Key Concepts

automation mindfulness social pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you rely on shortcuts for belief?
  • What are the costs of delegating thought?
A Different Perspective

It can erode personal responsibility and autonomy.

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