Innovations Quote by Thomas Frank
““In truth, however, nothing is inevitable and very little is new. And tech is no more the root of the problem than are trade or globalization. Many of our most vaunted innovations are simply methods -- electronic or otherwise -- of pulling off some age-old profit-maximizing maneuver by new and unregulated means.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Tech and Globalization Forum, 2022
Technological advances are not the root cause of problems; they are tools that can be used for old profit‑driven tactics, often unregulated.
In simple terms: Technology isn’t the problem, but how it’s used.
Focus on regulation and ethical use.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- business strategy
- public debate
- technology ethics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure tech serves public good?
- What regulations are needed for emerging tech?
New tools can repeat old harms without oversight.