--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The capabilities (intellectual and…" description: "\"The capabilities (intellectual and material) of contemporary society are immeasurably greater than ever before - which means that the scope of society'..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/herbert-marcuse-3589_bases_the-capabilities-intellectual-and-materi_1004115.jpg" --- # The capabilities (intellectual and material) of… ![“The capabilities (intellectual and material) of contemporary society are immeasurably greater than ever before - which means that the scope of society's domination over the individual is immeasurably greater than ever before. Our society distinguishes itself by conquering the centrifugal social…” quote by Herbert Marcuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/herbert-marcuse-3589_bases_the-capabilities-intellectual-and-materi_1004115.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/herbert-marcuse-3589_bases_the-capabilities-intellectual-and-materi_1004115.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/herbert-marcuse-3589_bases_the-capabilities-intellectual-and-materi_1004115.jpg) > “The capabilities (intellectual and material) of contemporary society are immeasurably greater than ever before - which means that the scope of society's domination over the individual is immeasurably greater than ever before. Our society distinguishes itself by conquering the centrifugal social forces with Technology rather than Terror, on the dual basis of an overwhelming efficiency and an increasing standard of living.” [Herbert Marcuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-marcuse/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Modern society’s advanced capabilities increase its power over individuals, using technology for control rather than terror. **In simple terms:** Technology amplifies societal control. Key Takeaway Stay aware of systemic influence. Themes technology control society Mood critical analytical Type philosophical political When to use this quote - policy making - digital privacy - education - media consumption Key Concepts political theory critical theory Questions to Reflect On - How does technology both dominate and liberate? - What safeguards can protect autonomy? A Different Perspective Technological progress can also empower individuals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Contemporary society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemporary-society/) [Domination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/domination/) [Efficiency](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/efficiency/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Intellectual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intellectual/) [Our society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our-society/) [Scope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scope/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [Standards of living](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/standards-of-living/) [Technology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technology/) ## Related quotes > [“Xiii- men must...find their way from false to true consciousness, from their immediate to their real interest. 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