Accepted Quote by George Orwell
“The machine has got to be accepted, but it is probably better to accept it rather as one accepts a drug - that is, grudgingly and suspiciously. Like a drug, the machine is useful, dangerous, and habit-forming. The oftener one surrenders to it the tighter its grip becomes.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Machine and the Drug", 1946
The author likens society’s acceptance of technology to the reluctant, suspicious acceptance of a drug, noting its usefulness, danger, and addictive grip.
In simple terms: Technology can become an addictive, controlling force.
Key Takeaway
Beware technology’s seductive power.
Themes
technology
control
addiction
society
trust
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- daily tech use
- social media
- AI adoption
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance tech benefits and risks?
- What safeguards can prevent dependency?
A Different Perspective
Technology can also empower and improve life if managed wisely.
![“The Balopticon [a machine that projects photos on canvas to trace the lines] is an evil, inartistic, habit-forming, lazy and vicious machine! It also is a useful, time-saving, practical and helpful one. I use one often-and am thoroughly ashamed of it. I hide it whenever I hear people coming.” quote by Norman Rockwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5cc/norman-rockwell-14034_ashamed_the-balopticon-a-machine-that-projects-p_726705.jpg)
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)