"Technological progress is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal" - Albert Einstein, 1917
This quote expresses Einstein"s negative view of technological progress. He states that this process is "like an axe", which is a dangerous tool, "in the hands of a pathological - a mentally disturbed condition (the free dictionary) - criminal", a definition of a person who is guilty of violating or doing wrong to innocent people. It is obvious by this quote to understand Einstein's negative attitude towards technology. Imagine a person who is in a mentally disturbed condition holding an axe. I think many would imagine a person swinging an axe around uncontrollably, creating harm where ever that person goes. This situation is what Einstein has stated is like technological progress which can be understood that he believes has a negative, harmful effect on the people. i think this prediction that the technological progress is taking an effect "like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal" is very likely to become reality. The progress may become out of our control as innovations are being invented in expotential speed as explained by Garreau in Radical Evolution. I do not think humans will be able to control and adapt to the pace of technological innovations, hence, reality is most likely to become a Hell scenario.
I would prefer not to agree with this somewhat bleak assessment, but I'm afraid I share your view. On the other hand, we should not forget that people are capable of surprisingly enlightened thinking and action after they've "exhausted all other possibilities." I'm attempting to appropriate an idea of Winston Churchill's, I hope accurately.
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