A review by fordcadman
Technological Slavery by Theodore John Kaczynski

adventurous challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 

Technological Slavery; is an incredibly valuable piece of literature in the fields of technological and sociological study, not only for individuals new to the subject, but also those who are already familiar with the author's previous works. The author, Dr. Theodore J. Kaczynski, a renowned writer of the field, puts forth an astounding comprehensive study of the technological phenomena, all while compounding on his previous work and attaining new theses and conclusions to his aforementioned studies. The book, strongly based on expanding the ideas presented in Kaczynski's provocative essay “Industrial Society And Its Future”, propels the reader towards a conclusive understanding of humanity's relationship with the technological system in which we find ourselves captivated. Along with a distillation of the author's own comprehensive study; resides a conversive compilation between the author and many individuals of different intellectual fields. Some of these conversations, whether presented as articulated responses to letters received by the author, or in study of said letters, hold criticisms of the author’s conclusions, of which the author refutes with accurate foundational evidence and provides reasons as to why such proclamations may be aversive towards effective action. Kaczynski shows his hand in this practice most evidently within the chapter “Extracts from Letters to David Skrbina,”; in which a years-long correspondance between the author and another eco-centric philosopher is presented in an effort to elaborate upon and explain ideas that challenge Kaczynski's subject, giving the author an outlet to illuminate important facets of his presented ideology through well rounded discussion. 

Compiled some twenty years after the publication of “Industrial Society And Its Future,” Kaczynski uses “Technological Slavery” as an instrument of literary edit, correcting dated conclusions and expanding previous ideas, leaving no gaps or omissions within the final product. This book will leave the reader intellectually fulfilled, though much of the information provided will give them an urge to research and dig deeper into the technological issue, leading often to Kaczynski’s partner work “Anti-Tech Revolution” which lends reference to “Technological Slavery” as an ideological standpoint. “Technological Slavery” is unique in the fact that it is presented as an evolution of idea, trailing the development of important conclusions and providing a diagnosis of our relationship with the Technological System. Similarities can be found in other works such as Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World: Revisited”, in which the author felt a crucial aspect of his previous work should be expanded upon, not just for the sake of clarification, but also in use of intellectual exponentiation. Kaczynski follows a similar route, providing a means for reader experience to fulfill the intellectual passage of furthering his presented ideology and findings. 

The book itself maintains a sense of textbook accountability while not neglecting the situation of the reader. Kaczynski involves the reader as an important factor in developing his ideas, and it is evident that his findings do not  just pertain to the society as a whole, but also the individuals' place within the technocratic world. An uncommon credit can be given to this composition, one in which we seldom find today, being its ability to make us understand. Particularly, its ability to let us understand our society on a grand, comprehensive scale. Through the presentation of this work, Kaczynski aligns and categorizes functions of modern society that go unnoticed, or at the very least are misperceived. Important happenings of the system around us, the society in which they take place, and humanity’s reaction to the sudden development of these issues, are all intricately pinpointed and exhumed from surface observation, showing the web-like interconnections between the ails of technological society; and the human condition. For many of us who live our lives unaware of these intricacies, it can be a hefty process to put the world around us and ourselves in such a spotlight, but Kaczynski does that for us, and shows us why and how we've ended up in this predicament. Simply put, “Technological Slavery” provides answers to the questions we didn't even know we should be asking. Kaczynski managed to filter and condense decades of study into an easily digestible and well rounded composition, for the benefit of the reader, as well as the benefit of society itself. For anyone interested in modern sociology, technical study, or environmentalism, this work is necessary in understanding the full scope of the issues we are currently facing, and those yet to come.