--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In his 1993 book Technopoly, Neil Postman…" description: "\"“In his 1993 book Technopoly, Neil Postman distilled the main tenets of Taylor’s system of scientific management. Taylorism, he wrote, is founded on si..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/502/nicholas-carr-4579_books_in-his-1993-book-technopoly-neil-postman_1181556.jpg" --- # In his 1993 book Technopoly, Neil Postman distilled the… ![“In his 1993 book Technopoly, Neil Postman distilled the main tenets of Taylor’s system of scientific management. Taylorism, he wrote, is founded on six assumptions: “that the primary, if not the only, goal of human labor and thought is efficiency; that technical calculation is in all respects…” quote by Nicholas Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/502/nicholas-carr-4579_books_in-his-1993-book-technopoly-neil-postman_1181556.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/502/nicholas-carr-4579_books_in-his-1993-book-technopoly-neil-postman_1181556.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/502/nicholas-carr-4579_books_in-his-1993-book-technopoly-neil-postman_1181556.jpg) > ““In his 1993 book Technopoly, Neil Postman distilled the main tenets of Taylor’s system of scientific management. Taylorism, he wrote, is founded on six assumptions: “that the primary, if not the only, goal of human labor and thought is efficiency; that technical calculation is in all respects superior to human judgment; that in fact human judgment cannot be trusted, because it is plagued by laxity, ambiguity, and unnecessary complexity; that subjectivity is an obstacle to clear thinking; that what cannot be measured either does not exist or is of no value; and that the affairs of citizens are best guided and conducted by experts.”11 What’s remarkable is how well Postman’s summary encapsulates Google’s own intellectual ethic. Only one tweak is required to bring it up to date. Google doesn’t believe that the affairs of citizens are best guided by experts. It believes that those affairs are best guided by software algorithms—which is exactly what Taylor would have believed had powerful digital computers been around in his day.”” [Nicholas Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-carr/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote critiques the belief that efficiency and algorithmic calculation should dominate human decision‑making, echoing Taylor’s outdated assumptions while noting modern reliance on software over experts. **In simple terms:** Algorithms replace expert judgment, emphasizing efficiency over human nuance. Key Takeaway Question human judgment with algorithmic efficiency. Themes efficiency technology expertise automation human judgment Mood critical analytical concerned Type analytical critical philosophical When to use this quote - Corporate decision making - public policy - AI ethics - workplace productivity - education curricula Key Concepts Taylorism algorithmic governance digital rationality Questions to Reflect On - How can we balance algorithmic efficiency with human judgment? - What safeguards are needed when experts are replaced by software? A Different Perspective Algorithms may overlook values, context, and ethical considerations that humans navigate. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Clear thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clear-thinking/) [Ethics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ethics/) ## Related quotes > [I was reading Neil Postman's 'Amusing Ourselves to Death'. 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Taylorism, he wrote, is founded on six assumptions: “that the primary, if not the only, goal of human labor and thought is efficiency; that technical calculation is in all respects superior to human judgment; that in fact human judgment cannot be trusted, because it is plagued by laxity, ambiguity, and unnecessary complexity; that subjectivity is an obstacle to clear thinking; that what cannot be measured either does not exist or is of no value; and that the affairs of citizens are best guided and conducted by experts.”11 What’s remarkable is how well Postman’s summary encapsulates Google’s own intellectual ethic. Only one tweak is required to bring it up to date. Google doesn’t believe that the affairs of citizens are best guided by experts. 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