Aliens Quote by J. G. Ballard
“People nowadays like to be together not in the old-fashioned way of, say, mingling on the piazza of an Italian Renaissance city, but, instead, huddled together in traffic jams, bus queues, on escalators and so on. It's a new kind of togetherness which may seem totally alien, but it's the togetherness of modern technology.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: High-Rise, J. G. Ballard, 1975
Modern urban life forces people into cramped, impersonal spaces, creating a new, technology‑driven sense of togetherness that feels alien compared to historic communal gatherings.
In simple terms: People now share tight, tech‑filled spaces instead of open plazas.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how technology reshapes social interaction.
Themes
urban alienation
technology
social dynamics
modernity
Mood
anxious
reflective
critical
Type
sociological
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- commuting
- public transport
- shopping malls
- office elevators
- festival lines
Key Concepts
collective confinement
digital proximity
spatial intimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this forced closeness affect personal identity?
- Can technology foster deeper bonds despite physical constraints?
A Different Perspective
Such proximity can amplify stress and reduce genuine connection.
