Bertrand Russell
The Quote in Other Words
The ideology of the machine age includes admiration for the proletariat, as well as for structures such as dams, power stations, and aeroplanes.
Explanation of the Quote
The quote suggests that the admiration for the working class, similar to the admiration for machines, is a product of the machine age ideology. The machine age was a period of rapid industrialization and technological advancement, where machines were seen as the solution to all problems. Similarly, the working class was seen as the backbone of the industrial revolution, and their labor was essential for the functioning of the machines.
However, this admiration for the proletariat and machines has its downsides. The machine age ideology often led to the exploitation of workers and the environment, as machines were prioritized over human needs. Similarly, the admiration for the working class often led to their dehumanization, as they were seen as mere cogs in the machine of industrial production.
Overall, the quote highlights the dangers of blindly admiring machines and the working class without considering the ethical implications of such admiration. It calls for a more nuanced understanding of the role of machines and workers in society, one that prioritizes human needs and values over the ideology of the machine age.