"It is, in fact, the essence of technique to compel the qualitative to become quantitative, and in this way to force every stage of human activity and man himself to submit to its mathematical calculations. Ellul gives examples of this at every level. Thus, technique forces all sociological phenomena to submit to the clock, for Ellul the most characteristic of all modern technical instruments. The substitution of the tempus mortuum of the mechanical clock for the biological and psychological time "natural" to man is in itself sufficient to suppress all the traditional rhythms of human life in favor of the mechanical."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Anarchists from FranceAcademics from FrancePhilosophers from FranceChristian existentialistsEducators from France
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
John Wilkinson, in the translator's introduction to The Technological Society (1964), p. xvi
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Jacques_Ellul
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Jacques Ellul
Jacques Ellul (6 January 1912 – 19 May 1994) was a French philosopher, law professor, sociologist, lay theologian, and [[Christian anarchism|Christian an
117 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Jacques Ellul →
Related Quotes
"No technique is possible when men are free. When technique enters into the realm of social life, it collides ceaseles…"
"In point of fact there are a certain number of values and of forces which are of decisive importance in our world civ…"
"Anarchism can teach Christian thinkers to see the realities of our societies from a different standpoint than the dom…"
"I describe a world with no exit, convinced that God accompanies man throughout his history."
"This is why there is such an incredible stress on information in our schools. The important thing is to prepare young…"
"There are different forms of anarchy and different currents in it. I must, first say very simply what anarchy I have …"
"Faith lived in the incognito is one which is located outside the criticism coming from society, from politics, from h…"
"If people lose their motive for living, two things can happen. It only seldom happens that they can accept that fact.…"
"I can very well say without hesitation that all those who have political power, even if they use it well have acquire…"
"Technique shapes an aristocratic society, which in turn implies aristocratic government. Democracy in such a society …"