Technology: Repeated Compromises

Technology is a more powerful social force than the aspiration for freedom.  It is not possible to make a lasting compromise between technology and freedom because technology is by far the most powerful social force. It continually encroaches on freedom through repeated compromises. As each new advance is made in technology, the groupings of the different technologies alter people’s lives, usually around the new technology; in the name of progress, and we all adapt.

A few years ago, who would believe we’d be paying exorbitant fees for phones that:

• Have black out areas
• Have poor reception; often times in certain rooms indoors
• Fadeout, depending areas you may drive into

Then come the series of “new improved” versions, which you have to have, since you need to eliminate the aforesaid problems. Only to discover that black out areas still exist!

Another reason why it’s such a powerful social force is that within a given society, technology marches in only one direction. It can never be reversed. Once a technical innovation has been introduced, people usually become dependent on it, so that they can never again do without it.  The only exception being, when the innovation was not more advanced.  Moreover, not only does the person become dependent on it, but the system on the whole does as well...read more in the book.

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