In 'Men, Machines, and Modern Times', Elting Elmore Morison explores the profound impact of technology on human life and society. He delves into the dynamic relationship between individuals and machines throughout history, examining how innovations have reshaped our roles and environments. Morison highlights key figures and events that have propelled industrial advancements, raising questions about progress and human agency. Through compelling narratives, he invites readers to ponder the balance between embracing technology and preserving our humanity. This thought-provoking journey reveals the complexities of modernization and its implications for our future.
By Elting Elmore Morison
Published: 1968
""In the relentless march of progress, machines become our partners in life, yet they also challenge the very essence of what it means to be human.""
Men, Machines, and Modern Times, though ultimately concerned with a positive alternative to an Orwellian 1984, offers an entertaining series of historical accounts taken from the nineteenth century to highlight a main theme: the nature of technological change, the fission brought about in society by such change, and society's reaction to that change. Beginning with a remarkable illustration of resistance to innovation in the U.S. Navy following an officer's discovery of a more accurate way to fire a gun at sea, Elting Morison goes on to narrate the strange history of the new model steamship, the Wapanoag, in the 1860s. He then continues with the difficulties confronting the introduction of the pasteurization process for milk; he traces the development of the Bessemer process; and finally, he considers the computer. While the discussions are liberally sprinkled with amusing examples and anecdotes, all are related to the more profound and current problem of how to organize and manage system of ideas, energies, and machinery so that it will conform to the human dimension.
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“"In the relentless march of progress, machines become our partners in life, yet they also challenge the very essence of what it means to be human."”
Men, Machines, and Modern Times
By Elting Elmore Morison
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Elting Elmore Morison (1910-2000) was a noted American historian, author, and educator, renowned for his insightful explorations of American history and culture. Morison's notable works include 'Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus', which received critical acclaim for its depth and narrative style, and 'The Maritime History of Massachusetts, 1783-1860', a pivotal text highlighting the significance of maritime trade in the development of New England. His writing is characterized by meticulous research, engaging prose, and a keen ability to connect historical events with their broader cultural implications. Morison's contributions to historical literature have left a lasting impact on both scholars and general readers.
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