Civilization Quote by Lewis Mumford
““To understand the dominating role played by technics in modern civilization….one must explain the culture that was ready to use them and profit by them so extensively. Technics and civilization as a whole are the result of human choices and aptitudes and strivings….The machine itself makes no demands and holds out no promises: it is the human spirit that makes demands and keeps promises. In order to reconquer the machine and subdue it to human purposes, one must first understand it and assimilate it. So far, we have embraced the machine without fully understanding it, or, like the weaker romantics, we have rejected the machine without first seeing how much of it we could intelligently assimilate.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Technics and Civilization, 1934
Human choices shape technology and its impact; understanding tech is essential before embracing or rejecting it.
In simple terms: We control tech, not the reverse.
Key Takeaway
Learn tech before using it.
Themes
technology
culture
human agency
industrialization
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- design
- public discourse
Key Concepts
sociology
philosophy
history of technology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance innovation with comprehension?
- What responsibilities do creators have?
A Different Perspective
Tech can be misused if misunderstood.
