Nature of man Quote by Wendell Berry
““I would argue that it is not human fecundity that is overcrowding the world so much as the technological multipliers of the power of individual humans. The worst disease of the world now is probably the ideology of technological heroism, according to which more and more people willingly cause large-scale effects that they do not see and that they cannot control. This is the ideology of the professional class of the industrial nations—a class whose allegiance to communities and places has been dissolved by their economic motives and by their educations. These are people who will go anywhere and jeopardize anything in order to assure the success of their careers.””
About This Quote
Technological progress amplifies individual impact, often unchecked, driven by career‑focused ideology.
In simple terms: Tech magnifies personal power, sometimes harmfully.
Key Takeaway
Question the ethics of unchecked technological influence.
Themes
technology
ethics
power
careerism
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
ethical
environmental
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate governance
- public discourse
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
technological determinism
ideology
industrial class
environmental impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance innovation with responsibility?
- What safeguards prevent harmful large‑scale effects?
A Different Perspective
Technological optimism can blind ethical considerations.
