Computer games Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““The coming technological bonanza will probably make it feasible to feed and support these useless masses even without any effort from their side. But what will keep them occupied and content? People must do something, or they go crazy. What will they do all day? One answer might be drugs and computer games. Unnecessary people might spend increasing amounts of time within 3D virtual-reality worlds that would provide them with far more excitement and emotional engagement than the drab reality outside. Yet such a development would deal a mortal blow to the liberal belief in the sacredness of human life and of human experiences. What’s so sacred about useless bums who pass their days devouring artificial experiences in La La Land?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Humanity, Yuval Noah Harari, 2022
Technological abundance may free people from labor, but without purpose they risk boredom, potentially turning to escapist media, threatening the value of authentic human experience.
In simple terms: Tech can cause aimlessness.
Key Takeaway
Create meaningful activities beyond digital distraction.
Themes
technology
purpose
humanity
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- workplace automation
- retirement
- leisure time
Key Concepts
existential risk
digital addiction
meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- What meaningful pursuits could replace idle consumption?
- How can societies cultivate purpose in an automated world?
A Different Perspective
Not all will seek harmful escapism; some may find new purposeful pursuits.
