Books Quote by Tom Miller
““No camera, no recording device, no laptop, none of this palm pilot nonsense or a cell phone. Paper and pencil, a book, maybe a bilingual dictionary. Anything beyond that (a) can be stolen, and (b) intimidates people you encounter. The more double-A batteries you carry, the more you distance yourself from the people you're writing about.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Personal essay on fieldwork tools, 2020
Relying on low‑tech tools reduces risk of theft and intimidation, keeping distance from subjects.
In simple terms: Low‑tech tools protect privacy and safety.
Key Takeaway
Use simple tools to stay safe.
Themes
privacy
fieldwork
technology
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- anthropology research
- journalistic reporting
- travel writing
Key Concepts
surveillance
trust
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance authenticity with safety?
- What minimal tools suffice for your work?
A Different Perspective
High‑tech devices can still be used responsibly with precautions.
