Action Quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“Progressively saved by the machine from the anxieties that bound his hands and mind to material toil, relieved of a large part of his work and compelled to an ever-increasing speed of action by the devices which his intelligence cannot help ceaselessly creating and perfecting, man is about to find himself abruptly plunged into idleness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Phenomenon of Man by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1955
Human reliance on ever‑more efficient machines risks rendering us idle, as technology outpaces our need for purposeful labor.
In simple terms: Machines may make work easier, but can also cause idleness.
Key Takeaway
Balance automation with meaningful activity.
Themes
technology
idleness
purpose
automation
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
critical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- industrial work
- remote work
- creative pursuits
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
existentialism
humanism
progress
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we redesign work to stay purposeful?
- What roles should humans keep in an automated world?
A Different Perspective
Automation can also free time for leisure, not just cause idleness.
