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Brilliant Quote by Karel Capek

“The sole perfection which modern civilization attains is a mechanical one; machines are splendid and flawless, but the life which serves them or is served by them, is neither superb nor brilliant, nor more perfect nor more graceful; nor is the work of the machines perfect; only they, the machines…” quote by Karel Capek
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“The sole perfection which modern civilization attains is a mechanical one; machines are splendid and flawless, but the life which serves them or is served by them, is neither superb nor brilliant, nor more perfect nor more graceful; nor is the work of the machines perfect; only they, the machines, are like gods.”

Karel Capek

About This Quote

Source Play: R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek, 1920

Modern civilization worships machines, treating them as perfect gods, while human life remains imperfect and ungraceful.

In simple terms: Machines are praised, humans are neglected.

Key Takeaway

Value human creativity over mechanical perfection.

Themes

technology humanism perfection divine artificial intelligence mechanical worship

Mood

reflective critical philosophical

Type

cautionary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • industrial design
  • workplace automation
  • AI ethics
  • urban planning

Key Concepts

existentialism critique of modernity anthropocentrism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we integrate technology without losing humanity?
  • What aspects of life should remain untouched by mechanization?
A Different Perspective

Machines cannot replace the nuanced, emotional depth of human experience.

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