Technopoly

The Surrender of Culture to Technology

Neil Postman

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Will Marshall: "Great book!"

Book Synopsis

"Technopoly" by Neil Postman explores the impact of technology on society, particularly the rise of a new philosophy that he calls Technopoly. This philosophy holds that technology is the ultimate solution to all human problems and that it should be unquestioningly embraced.

Postman starts by presenting the historical progression of technological advancements, illustrating how they shape and reshape culture. He argues that technology does not exist in isolation but is deeply intertwined with the values, beliefs, and social structures of a society.

Postman highlights the dangers of Technopoly by examining how it affects different domains of life. He criticizes the overemphasis on efficiency and productivity, which often come at the expense of human interactions, critical thinking, and meaningful experiences. He warns against the erosion of moral and ethical frameworks, as technology allows for the manipulation and control of information.

The impacts of Technopoly extend beyond individuals to institutions and systems. Postman discusses how technology has transformed education, politics, and the economy. He raises concerns about the loss of genuine learning and thoughtful civic engagement, as well as the rise of a consumer-driven culture where value is measured solely in economic terms.

Postman argues that resisting Technopoly requires a conscious evaluation of technology's consequences and a renewed commitment to human values. He encourages readers to take a critical stance towards technology and to actively shape its trajectory, rather than passively accepting its inevitability.

Through thought-provoking analysis and a call to action, "Technopoly" offers a compelling examination of the ways in which technology shapes our lives and the importance of maintaining a balance between technology and human values in order to preserve our humanity.

Explore More Books

See All
The Trap
The Amber Spyglass
The Columbian Exchange
Mindfulness
With All Due Respect
Information
Ford vs. Ferrari
San Fransicko
Influence
The Transit of Venus
Physics of the Impossible
Other People's Money
The Art Of Doing Science And Engineering
Game of Thorns
Facing Codependence
Freakonomics
Bitcoin
Son of the Morning Star
Heaven on Earth
Lenin
The Gray Lady Winked
Self Belief
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin
Seeker
One of a Kind
Stuff and Nonsense
The Golden Trade of the Moors
Farsighted
The German Generals Talk
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind
The World That Wasn't
Search Inside Yourself
Blink
Chapterhouse: Dune
The Upside of Inequality
Be Here Now
The Great Gatsby
Nonviolent Communication
United States of Socialism
First Friends
Lean In
The Writing Life
How To Live
Putin's Kleptocracy
Job Stacking
Life in the English Country House
Private Truths, Public Lies
Save The Cat!
Adultery
If The Universe Is Teeming With Aliens...Where Is Everybody?
Rock On
We Are The Nerds
Marc's Mission
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Reason Begins
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
The Book of Nothing
The Last Lecture
Ice Age
Home Economics
Opportunity Knocks
History of the World
Value Investing
Not Fade Away
Nixonland
Ponzi's Scheme
Necessary Dreams
Fleishman Is In Trouble
The Spy and The Traitor
Hoover Dam
One Monster After Another
Count Down
Of Wolves and Men
The Cost Of Hope
The Things They Carried
Alchemy
Execution
The Bottomless Well
Blitzscaling
Thinking with Type
The Book of Life
Certain To Win
Just Mercy
V for Vendetta
The River of Doubt
The Paris Architect
The Heart
The Madness of Crowds
Living With A SEAL
Four Quartets
Gay Like Me
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
Diocletian and the Roman Recovery
COAN
Ready Player One
Look to Windward
Hamlet
The Storm of Steel
Whiplash
The Sovereign Individual