Riding Mankind

Will technology save us?

Are we willing to depend on anything else?

We tend to think of technology as a positive force because it make life easier. Most of the things we depend on are a product of technology, stuff created to make our lives more efficient, and stuff that has arguably put us in the current environmental crisis. If the power of technology is so irresistible to us, do we expect it to help guide us to a better future and resolve our environmental crisis?

If we expect technology to save us, we should think about an Emerson quote we talked about in class: “things are in the saddle and ride mankind.” Consider how this applies to current technology like the iPhone. The iPhone is impressive: one tiny device makes it possible to call, check e-mail, read newspapers, play games, listen to music, find restaurants, and even provides directions when you're lost on E Street. It's great and may make life more organized, but dependence on it quickly crosses the line from organization to control. For users, the iPhone is in the saddle, riding mankind. Consciously or not, we’ve accepted this.

Although environmentalists know solutions to our environmental crisis can come from sources other than technology, I’m afraid we’re not willing to change our lifestyles enough to invest in other options.