The Machine in the Garden Technology and the
- Slides: 8
The Machine in the Garden Technology and the Pastoral Ideal in America Leo Marx
Summary n The Author explains the contradictions between leading the life under the pastoral ideals and the highly machine dependent industrial ones.
Pastoralism n n The balance between nature and civilization “The pursuit of rural happiness while devoting itself to productivity, wealth, and power”
The Dream of America n n n Europeans dazzled by the untouched New World Opportunity to escape political and economical oppression A chance to live simple and independent lives
Industrial Revolution n The conflict between industrialization and pastoral ideals American simple life vs. European industrialized life Rationalize the machines to fit the ideals of pastoralism
Two Kingdoms of Force n n n In the end, machines and new technology is prevalent and integrated in our society Society has made many advantageous advancement through Science and Technology Or has these advancements harmed us? Have we lost our ideals? Are Jefferson’s dreams shattered?
Men Become Tools of Their Tools n n n What does this mean? “As a society we are focused on the means but not on the ends, and instrumentalist without ideals” Is this the reality?
Resolution to this Conflict n n Is there a solution? What is precious to us? Convenience vs. a Healthy home We are aware of the truth, but are we too apathetic to these concerns? Finding a balance, but how do we define it?
