Being Quote by Ellen Ullman
“The computer's there to serve the human being, not vice versa.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Computer is a Tool”, 2020
The author argues that computers should serve human needs, not dominate or replace human agency.
In simple terms: Computers exist to assist humans, not control them.
Key Takeaway
Design technology that empowers people.
Themes
technology
human‑centered design
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- software development
- AI deployment
- user experience design
- policy making
Key Concepts
agency
tool
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we keep human control?
- What safeguards prevent tech overreach?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on automation can erode skills.
![“I've always written. I'm from an older generation of programmers [who] did not come out of engineering. [A]ll sorts of people were drawn in from the social sciences and humanities.” quote by Ellen Ullman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/341/ellen-ullman-3943_engineering_i-ve-always-written-i-m-from-an-older-ge_363898.jpg)
