Skip to content

We no longer think of chairs as technology, we just think…

“We no longer think of chairs as technology, we just think of them as chairs. But there was a time when we hadn't worked out how many legs chairs should have, how tall they should be, and they would often "crash" when we tried to use them. Before long, computers will be as trivial and plentiful as…” quote by Douglas Adams
Download Open image
“We no longer think of chairs as technology, we just think of them as chairs. But there was a time when we hadn't worked out how many legs chairs should have, how tall they should be, and they would often "crash" when we tried to use them. Before long, computers will be as trivial and plentiful as chairs and we will cease to be aware of the things. In fact I'm sure we will look back on this last decade and wonder how we could ever have mistaken what we were doing with them for "productivity"”

Douglas Adams

About This Quote

We will eventually view computers as ordinary objects, overlooking their complexity as we have with chairs.

In simple terms: Computers will become as ordinary as chairs.

Key Takeaway

Recognize technology's hidden influence.

Themes

technology normalization perception

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • everyday life
  • workplace
  • education
  • design
  • policy

Key Concepts

automation ubiquity human‑tech interaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does invisibility of tech affect decisions?
  • What can we do to stay mindful of tech's role?
A Different Perspective

People may underestimate technology's impact on behavior.

3.5 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Douglas Adams

Explore all 1,168 Douglas Adams quotes

More Cease quotes

Browse all 1,358 Cease quotes