A review by 40311
Technological Slavery by Theodore John Kaczynski

informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

 

Technological Slavery demonstrates how technology has become a means to control the powerless, and why this will only continue to increase in modern society. The author, Kaczynski, asserts that the detrimental impact that technology has on our environment and quality of life will always outweigh whatever benefits it has to offer. 

Kaczynski makes the effective argument that technology has surpassed our ability to control it, urging that we stop blindly relying on technological progress and start considering the social, psychological, and environmental consequences of relying on machines and complex technology. Kaczynski argues that the techno system is a natural product of objective factors beyond the long-term control of even the people who are in positions of control—they “pretend” to control it. According to Kaczynski, most scientists and engineers don't take into consideration the unintended consequences of their work, rather they are focused primarily on their own financial and professional gain. Furthermore, Kaczynski not only argues that science and technology as human enterprises are divorced from any rational commitments to the welfare of the human race, but that scientists and technologists are primarily engaged in what he defines as surrogate activities (an activity directed toward an artificial goal, solely for fulfillment). 

Kaczynski also discusses the disruption of the “power process,” a term he uses to describe the psychological process of feeling empowered to accomplish survival goals through effort and determination. He argues that in modern society, technological development has diminished people's ability to carry out meaningful activities independently, since the system must rob the individual of his most meaningful (practical; life-and-death determinant) goals and activities for the sake of its own functioning, and complex tasks have become automated and even the most basic jobs have become radically simplified. Individuals in modern society also do not directly engage in meeting their survival needs, but society instead takes care of individuals for them so long as they are obedient. This loss of autonomy and real, practical (and therefore meaningful) freedoms has profoundly negative effects on individuals, leading to feelings of alienation and helplessness. 

While some may still think of technology as a force of progress and liberation, Kaczynski explains in depth the ways in which unrestrained technological progress is enslaving us, asserting that the only solution is to eliminate the techno-industrial system altogether. He compiles evidence to support the fact that technology causes more problems than it solves and gives valuable insight as to why concerning/distracting ourselves with non-technological social issues is currently one of the largest barriers preventing us from recognizing the reality of technology's detrimental impacts on our lives. 

The author presents ideas that have the potential to come across as extreme on a surface level, but he goes to great lengths to clarify his reasoning and logically support his analysis, entertaining every possible alternative, and including extensive historical evidence to support his claims. Additionally, he incorporates a few of the correspondences he's had with others that wrote to him, including those that attempted to challenge his views, to which he provided responses with effortful research and consideration. 

What I think makes Kaczynski's work so unique is his approach: First, he’s the most radical thinker of our era, proposing as the only logical solution a totally transformative revolution.  Second, is his clarity: he is thorough, yet straightforward in addressing each topic and leaving no room for misinterpretations. I highly recommend that everyone reads this book regardless of their own viewpoints or worldview. It leaves a lot to think about, not to mention that the subjects at hand are now more relevant than ever.