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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
In a 35,000-word manuscript arguing against the evils of the techno-industrial system, Kaczynski, in a concise, articulate, and sensible manner identifies the root cause of much of the suffering which modern man is faced with and proposes a practical solution; that being revolution. A revolution that seeks to overthrow not governments, but the technological and economic foundation upon which modern civilization is built. The manifesto’s basic premise is that the techno-industrial system is inherently anti-human and incompatible with ecological health, wild nature, as well as the dignity, psychological well-being and freedom of the human species, and cannot be reformed in such a way as to have these faults amended. Consequently, Kaczynski comes to the conclusion that the postindustrial world, along with all of its large-scale organization-dependent technologies, should be dispensed with entirely. The conclusion is confident, irrespective of the temporary suffering which an end to industrial civilization may result in. Since the consequences of allowing the technological system to continue on its current path unimpeded would be far more disastrous and result in far more suffering. The ultimate justification is analogous to the amputation of an arm done to prevent complete death
Over the course of the manifesto Kaczynski brings attention to many of the social evils which have arisen as a result of continued technological and economic progress, but which have received little or poor attention. One of the most important being the disruption of what he refers to as “the power process.” The power process involves goal, effort, and attainment of said goal, as well as autonomy in regard to how that goal is attained, and whether it is under the initiative of the individual pursuing the goal. The technological system in its entirety disrupts this basic psychological process (as well as many others) out of a need for technical necessity, resulting in frustration, feelings of powerlessness, despair, anxiety, depression and a multitude of mental illnesses, varying from individual to individual. The general idea appears to me to be that humans are only capable of deriving real psychological fulfillment from partaking in activities which are rooted in our biology and evolutionary past. This is something that’d be difficult to dispute. Kaczynski goes on to argue that the system does not and cannot exist to satisfy human needs; rather, it’s human behavior that has to be modified to fit the needs of the system. “This has nothing to do with the political or social ideology that may pretend to guide the technological system. It is not the fault of capitalism, and it is not the fault of socialism. It is the fault of technology, because the system is guided not by ideology but by technical necessity” (Industrial Society and Its Future, paragraph 119).
Readers should approach Kaczynski’s work with an open mind, with any potential moral objections to his character aside, and take time to seriously consider whether or not there is truth within the contents of his writing, in doing so I believe most would come to the conclusion that there certainly is.
informative
reflective
fast-paced
reflective
sad
medium-paced
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Ted how I have failed. I bought a Kindle man I'm so sorry. If I didn't hate bugs and need WIFI, I would move into a secluded cabin like lord Ted did.
def made me reconsider a few things but dude had a few too many side tangents, while a lot of things followed logically, there wasnt much actual data in the novel. even if i dont totally agree w the content i still really enjoyed the book so thats why i gave it such a high rating!