Monday, September 17, 2007
Aphorisms R Us
Our old pal Henry David Thoreau said, "Men have become the tools of their tools." Now, this quote was written way back in 1860 before tools such as cell phones, the internet, iPods or PDAs were even a glimmer in Steve Jobs' eyes. How much relevance does this pithy little declaration hold in these modern times? What do you think it means? What did it mean to him? What does it mean to you? (250 words/25pts)
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“Men have become the tools of their tools.”
-Henry David Thoreau
Men today have very big ego’s and when you think about it, they all know it too. Over the years technology has advanced greatly at a rapidly increasing pace. Cars are now parking them selves, trash cans open and close with sensors and then say thank you. Toilets flush themselves, water and paper towels are dispensed with a flick of the wrist, and cars start them selves with a touch of a button. All of these technological advances, in my opinion are built and simply just promote laziness. All of these items around us are becoming automatic or extremely easy to use or to operate. Yes the advance in technology is good but where do we stop and say, ok now that’s just pure laziness. Men are being controlled by their own tools, literally. Men today no longer have to apply effort to most everyday tasks. The tools control the men and start when they want to start and do what they want to do and no one even realizes it. I can not stand the laziness in our country. I mean how hard is it to turn around and flush a toilet. Though it is hard dispute because most things eliminate another. Like by not flushing a toilet or opening a trash can there are less germs spread and by a car parking itself, there are less parking accidents or hitting of poles. These advances in technology defiantly for fact promote and encourage laziness but they also help to better our society. So yea let those tools run the men, who knows maybe they’ll stop doing things all together and women can take charge. ; )
In modern times I really think this quote holds a lot of meaning. Technology is taking over one step at a time. Today practically everything has an easy way out. For math it’s a calculator. For other subjects it could be the internet. If the world didn’t have cell phones, iPods, and other popular technology I think people would go insane and not know what to do with themselves. Just imagine if technology disappeared. What would everyone do? Most people say they do not know because that is the truth no one would know what to do or how to do anything. I think the quote "Men have become the tools of their tools" shows how technology is shaping our lives days at a time. And in 1860 when this quote was written it meant how people were starting to be owned as if they were a helping aid to their tool. I think Henry David Thoreau could see the world was starting to become lazy and invent new things that made things easier and easier to do. Yea, it may have not been a calculator or a computer. However they were things that were new and helpful back then. The actual definition of a tool is a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. Sadly today this definition has translated to a handheld device that does the task for you. This is what I’ll leave you with. Was it a good thing technology was created? Because really technology branched off into all today’s problems. So really the people of the present and future are in fact tools of their tools. And even in some ways the people of the past are also.
My group was just talking about this today while doing our utopia project. We modeled our society after the Amish society, believe it or not. The Amish live such simple lives, uninhibited by the constant whirring of computers or tapping of keyboards or trilling of cell phones, all mounting to a roar of "rush, rush, rush." Technological advances are all established to alleviate stress, but the stress they add to our lives is almost incomparable to the small stresses they make easier. What ever happened to the lost art of letter writing? A simple note, handwritten, signed, sealed with a kiss, sent to your grandmother. It's so much faster to just "shoot her an email," isn't it? But something is lost there! I know I'm not the only one who sees it. It was made especially clear to me today in class that I'm not the only one who feels this. Technology may simplify our lives, but if we let it, it can control our lives. We can become "tools of our tools."
I'm not trying to act like an omnipotent third person here. I'm better than some. I don't text a lot, and I'm rarely on the Internet. But I live in Mullica, and can be found from time to time (often) pacing, crazed, around the house, methodically stopping by my parents' window, by my computer, by the kitchen counter, outside to the clearing between the trees, anywhere I know I can salvage some service to send that fateful text message. But is it so fateful? Yes, I could argue it helps me stay in touch. But most likely, the person I am sending the text message to I will see within the week. While Thoreau didn't foresee cell phones, the Internet, etc., I think it meant that the tools men employ to simplify their lives make things much more complicated than they're worth.
When Henry David Thoreau said, “Men have become the tools of their tools”, he is absolutely correct and shows a lot of intelligence because he wrote that before anything really was invented yet. He was probably talking about simple things and simple machines that just made every day life easier. He would never know how advanced these simple things would become and how much more people would take advantage of them. Technology today has been more advanced than ever and things are constantly being invented and improved on. Society today relies a lot on technology like computers, phones, fax machines, etc. Some people would not able to function right without these tools because they never had to without them. Even something as simple as a calculator is an example of how humans need tools to finish work. Even me, for example, finds it very hard to complete simple math problems without using a calculator, not because I am lazy and do not feel like writing out all of the work, but because I really don’t know the steps in solving some things that the calculators can do in two seconds. I am totally capable of learning it, however, when there is something to do it for you, you tend to take the easy way out and this is just how society is in general. Tools truly make life easier. In today’s day and age, many people rely on these tools and know nothing other than how to use them.
Back in the 1860s I’m not sure how many “tools” the people had, but I am sure the ones they had became part of there daily lives. The people must have used whatever utensils they had to make things easier, such as a horse and buggy would have made a trip faster and less exhausting. The people would not have to walk to their destinations anymore or ride on horseback, which could have been difficult and more strenuous for the horse. Now, they could easily sit, feeling a brisk wind at their faces, lean back and relax. With the beginning of invention, I believe the inventors just wanted to get their ideas out and make life a little easier. Nowadays lives inventions promote being comfortable and laziness, which are both reasonable to a point. I can understand if someone is tired and just wants to watch some television, using a remote instead of getting up every time to change a channel, but when people come to the point when they are too lazy to walk up a few stairs it is a little much. They take an escalator or elevator instead, letting their actions speak clearly about how much people do not want to do. My grandmother told me a story about how she had to beg her mother to let her graduate high school when she was growing up. Many students now do not want to learn because of the hard work it takes. They would rather be ignorant of facts and important issues than take the time to really concentrate to learn. They would rather become mindless, well tools, and just play video games or do whatever unaccommodating activity they want. I believe Thoreau thought that men, and women, were all starting to care too much about their possessions and equipment, that they were starting to forget and take for granted the times when they did not have those luxuries. Also, the people were become addicted to the new inventions, just like our society has become addicted to many inventions such as air condition, computers, and televisions. As Americans, we get these extra appliances that are by no means needed in life, and do not realize that if we were indeed in a third world country, the thought of one computer in a room would be ridiculous, let alone laptops and computers on a phone. To me, this quote tells of the need people have placed in their items and that most people would not know how to get along without them. These appliances do need us to use them so they are not taken off marketing, but it seems that we now need them more than they need us. Humans have really become “the tools of their tools”, as Thoreau predicted.
In the very first blog question, you wrote "We will be using this blog frequently, both as a tool and a resource to get the most out of our time, and as a place we can go to share thoughts and valuable information and ideas whenever we need to." I don't know if you realized what your next blog question for us was going to be, Ms. Bunje, and if you did, then maybe you were just foreshadowing what was to come. Either way, what you said applies to this quote, and not only just because of the fact that you said the word "tool." Yes, it's true that this blog makes it easy for both classes to communicate and read each other's opinions and thoughts. However, that doesn't mean that we couldn't have just written all of our answers to questions in a notebook or journal and shared them during class. (By the way, I'm not saying that having this blog is just for our lazy selves who don't feel like hand writing something, because I like this.) But as "tools of our tools" we find the most advanced way to communicate our ideas--on an actual website meant for doing just that, where we even have to "log in" with a username and password. To keep the privacy of thoughts back in the time when there was no computers and passwords, a simple lock on a journal kept privacy. We rely on our technological tools every day, and don't even think twice about it. We are actually slaves of tools- we pay extremely high prices for tools like iphones and computers and don't think twice about the cost, either, because we figure the money will be worth it with all the time we'll save using it. People need to remember that these "tools" are not a way of life but a way to make our lives more practical.
"Men have become the tools of their tools."
Now that we have discussed Walden in class I'm beginning to learn how to analyze certain important quotes and apply them to experiences and myself. When reading this quote I at first had to really think for a minute. When Thoreau was living in the woods and using what only nature provided him to survive he was using tools. Back then computers, ipods, television, and other electronically charged things we use today weren't invented yet. They lived their lives using what the Earth provided and other small inventions like a wooden hammer or a wheel and axle. But now that I think about it, simple machines had to be made into complex machines somewhere down the line, which brings me to today's era. This quote means the same today as it did back then. I look at it as men and women coming together and making their society more advanced and civilized. The world around us is always changing and betting technology and we have to accommodate ourselves to it. I don't know any other lifestyle other than the fact that everyone has a cell phone and ipods attatched to their heads and that people really rely on it. It's obviously much more convenient than having to find a pay phone if you need to talk to somebody. Anyway, Thoreau makes a good point. He used the Earth as his tools to manage a valuable and structured lifestyle. Today I think people take advantage of what nature has to offer and what good it can really do. With all of the technology that has developed it's hard to remember or even live your life without it.Thoreaus tools meant surviving, tools of today mean pleasure and convenience.
In 1860, technology wasn't advanced at all. Computers, ipods, and cell phones were a thing of the far future. For some reason, a man by the name of Steve Job made a wise quote. Being as though there was a small mean of technology, he was wise enough to realize it was becoming a way for people to become lazier. The quote "Men have become a tool of his tools” refers to technology and how it has evolved. The resources and tools people had years ago were simple, however, simple tools eventually evolved into complex tools, which leaves us to where we are now. It seems as though the society we live in today is getting lazier and lazier, mostly because of technology. Instead of getting up to turn the channel, they have created a remote control. No longer do we have to get postage stamps to mail letters because now there's internet and *e-mail*! These tools have helped us however; modern technology is somewhat a problem too. What ever happened to good old hand writing? It's almost non existent. Ok, I'm over reacting a little; however, it does seem like soon lap tops are going to be on the requirements for class instead of binders and notebooks. In the long run, it seems like technology has the ability to eventually take over. There are now self-check out stations in supermarkets, which could prevent the need for humans. People make mistakes. It seems like technology does not. Soon every where we go there are going to be robots. Well actually, I'm over reacting once again; however, on a serious note technology does have the potential to take over. This quote has great meaning and it's ironically funny by the way the Thoreau said this years ago. He was perfectly right.
"Men have become the tools of their tools." The 1800s were obviously much simpler than life nowadays. There were no computers, cell phones, or AP classes. (ahh heaven...) With so few conveniences at hand, man still had a lot to do for themselves. I don't think this quote was as relevant in the 1800s as it is now. Now, we have ovens that cook our food, heating systems that keep us warm, and exercise equipment that keeps us in shape (which we all use so much). Sometimes it feels like we're in an episode of the Jetsons and have floors that take us from place to place instead of just walking. Technology seems to rule our lives as we slowly become slaves to the computer, begging the printer to spit out our homework and praying to a mighty deity that our 400 page term papers saved when the power went out. We have factories that manufacture our goods instead of just making them ourselves, and just watch society burst into chaos if, Mighty Deity forbid, one of those machines breaks down. But don't worry, now we have specialized people who can nurse the machines back to health in minutes while we sit in the waiting room of our own doctors for hours. Have we become tools of our tools? I certainly think so. Imagine the Great Paris Hilton, whom for some reason is so much better than everyone else, if the cell phone had not been invented! HOW could we LIVE without a camera constantly on infamous celebrities, and the ability to see or read about the their latest foibles?! WHAT kind of a LOW-LIFE lives on a farm in the middle of nowhere and isn't infatuated with how many people Lindsay Lohan has run over?! (oh wait that's me) Life without technology isn't even a possibility these days!
But of course, it'd be silly for people like me and H.D.T. to suggest that life without technology is a good life indeed, right?
Before, tools were not able to function with out some type of human life making it work. Now however, human life feels as though they can not function without their tools. People have become so dependent on technology and everything it brings with it; they do not realize how lazy we are becoming. One example is the TI 83 and plus calculators. People used to manipulate calculators to find the answer they were searching for, but only after solving most of the equation or problem first. Now, you can plug an entire equation with variables and everything into the calculator and out pops the correct answer. With this technology, people are becoming more and more dependent on their luxuries and questioning why they even need to learn how to do things the “old fashioned way.” To me, the whole depending on technology thing is just sad. With our technology, we can not even accomplish things people did everyday without it. Everyone is slowly becoming of lesser knowledge as we use spell check to automatically fix words for us on a computer or a calculator to solve an entire problem. I honestly do not believe many people in society today could survive a year or even a week without using all of the technologies we have. When Thoreau first stated this quote I am sure the extremity of the meaning was not as true then as it is now. People have been slowly becoming “tools of their tools,” since his time, and I am sure this will not stop now, or any time soon for that matter. To Thoreau, I am sure this quote meant a lot. He believed in a very simplistic lifestyle. The world today, is far from being considered simple. If Thoreau could live a day in 2007 I am more than positive he would leave appalled.
=)
There were tools back in the day that thoreau lived in that men needed to use in order to make a living and in an essense, servive. The men than became the tool of their tools because the man couldn't live with out his tools. The tools were now ruling over the men because if the tools didn't work than neither could the man because the man needed the tools to do the kind of work he was doing. The same concept now applies to the tools of nowadays. without certain things like the Ipod, laptop, and thing of today's day and age some of the people in the world would be stuck and have nothing to do with their life. They are lost without their internet or T.V. People would need to read or find other things to keep them busy.
In a way, we do not control the tools; rather, the tools control us. Technology is always improving, and with that we depend more heavily upon it. For example, the majority of people and businesses now own computers. Companies rely on computers to hold their most vital information, but what if the computers fail them? What if, by some awful chance, all of the companies’ information was deleted and couldn’t be restored? I doubt they have back up copies all on paper, merely because that is considered ‘inconvenient’ and ‘time consuming’. The company would be at a major loss and have their “tools” to thank for it. Therefore, we have been put at a disadvantage just because we indulge in the conveniences of technology. I think Thoreau meant to get across the same concept- that men are controlled by what they create- but in relation to whatever technologies and machineries that were being made at that time. As for my personal interpretation of this quote, I think we should all just escape from all of these things that will supposedly make our lives easier and live a simpler life without the complications and advertisements of material things.
Oh, this quote is definitely very relevant today, and becomes increasingly so with each new invention. There are so many movies about all of our machines suddenly turning on us, pointing to our ridiculous dependence on our own creations. It's unfathomable to think of losing our thousands of "tools." I mean, even if your iPod didn't work in the morning and you had to listen to a cd player, or worse, sit there in silence, our whole morning would be ruined. I think that part of what Thoreau is saying in his quote is that people have become advertisements for their tools as to how much their tools do, rather than using the tool as a way to do more with your life. It's as if humans are a tool computers use to send information rather than a computer being a tool for humans to use when they must. Thoreau wanted to shake off this dependence on tools, and rather use them for his true needs rather than wants. He might use a tool when it was available, but kept in mind that the tool was not necessary for the job. Today, however, we could not fathom making food, having fun, relaxing or doing much of anything without tools. His way of living seems to make more sense, yet no one wants to live that way. It’s too inconvenient and time-consuming, despite being possibly more fulfilling. I think we should really be able to do some basic things without requiring a plethora of tools. If for no other reason, at least we won't be so bored the next time the power goes out.
This quote has a lot to do with our society today. Technology has gone a long way, from dictionaries to the internet, from walking to flying jets. We’re completely immersed in our technology, that we’ve technically become it. With all these modern tools in our lives most of us have become completely useless on our own, we rely on technology to provide us entertainment, help us with long distant connections with other people, and to help us with our everyday jobs. Technology has become so common in our world that it is everywhere to be seen. In the mall, at a camp site, at school, and at home. Our iPods, cellphones, TV, internet, and automatic paper dispensers are making us lazier and lazier each and everyday. Some people will run out of small jobs just because technology has taken over our lives, small jobs such as a cashier, a librarian, or maybe even a janitor. Our laziness will go on to complete insanity if technology is to be taken away from us. We’ve depended on technology for so many years and without it most of us wouldn’t know what to do or where to begin. Would we just rip out our hair if we had to turn the knob on the sink to wash our hands? Men have definitely become the tools of their tools. Technology will become more advance as the years come, soon robots will be serving and working for us, the toliet will eventually unclog itself and there would be no more use of having humans alive just like in the movies with robots turning against their creator. It is also definitely true that we DO need tools to survive anything today and we DO need tools even back in the centuries. Essential tools such as the hammer or the axe. But we can not let our tools engulf us into a dark society of technology where we are slaves to them.
This quote is one hundred percent true. Technology and what we think of as necessities have completely taken over our lives. People use cell phones, mp3 players, cars, computers, and even robots on a daily basis. Society has become so dependent on technology. All of these gaming systems, computers, cell phones, and other accessories have promoted severe laziness across the world, but especially in America. Notice I said the word "accessories". These items are still called accessories in stores, but to many people they are believed to be necessities. Most of society cannot imagine living in 1860 with no other form of communication than writing letters, talking face to face, or for the very rich, using the early telephone. Even thirty years ago the cell phone was still an idea. My parents are shocked at the speed of text messaging. If they ask me to ask a question to one of my friends, I just text them and receive an answer usually within a minute or so. However, the only reason for people to use these things is because of accessibility. If a child was brought up not to know computers, telephones, or the weekly Saturday morning cartoons, it would not be a problem for that child to live without them.
Our society is too dependent on these tools. People are being consumed by their tools and how they use them. We are walking advertisements for the latest cell phones, greatest iPods, and fastest laptops. Even though Thoreau could not even fathom the technology we have today in the 1860's, this statement will always hold true as long as technology evolves.
Men, in my opinion, have a very �I can do it myself� type of out look on life. Their pride is extremely important to them and nine times out of ten they�ll let their ego get the best of them. Before society began to modernize itself many people relied on men to do the handy work. Now, in today�s society men can be substituted for machinery. For example there is no longer a need for a man to get into a pool and vacuum it out because, thanks to inventions, the vacuum can now do it by itself. As time goes on technology advances and sooner or later there will probably be no use for men at all when it comes to doing simple jobs like mowing the lawn or cleaning the pool because robots will be doing all the work.
Granted with advancement in technology there will be an increase indolence. Not to mention, as men get replaced with technology, it will hurt their egos. Like I stated before a man�s pride is extremely important to them and feeling needed is something they must have but as technology progresses men will no longer become tools of their tools.
"Men have become the tools of their tools." When Thoreau wrote this quote, I believe it meant the same to him as it does to us today. The tools they used back then were as much as our tools are to us today. In 1860 most of the common people grew their own food or hunted for it. They built their own homes and cut their own wood. Their "simple" tools were the great inventions of that time. Now, with our techonology sky rocketing its hard to believe how those people lived back then. They too, like ourselves, were slaves to their technology. Little could be done without their hammers or guns, which is similar to our constant need to makes things easier by using computers. Maybe Thoreau thought he was living simply by living in the woods. And maybe he would be pretty disappointed in the way our civilization has become so hectic and overwhelmed with being bigger and better within our inventions, but Thoreau, like the rest of us, was also a tool of his tools.
When Henry David Thoreau stated, "Men have become the tools of their tools," i believe that his ultimate purpose was to speak about the technological advancements in todays society. In other words, Thoreau is trying to explain that advancements in our technology have overpowered the minds of our society. This statement plays an important role in explaining the way that new technology, such as ipods, cell phones, cameras, computers, and many other luxuries made it much more simple for one to live without thinking for themselves. Since the ability of technology overrides the ability of society, we have become alomost inferior to materialistic items. I feel that in saying this, Thoreau summed up our current society simply and perfectly. His intentions were to display his feelings towards the New World that is developing because of technology. He feels that it is corrupting our culture, minds, socialibility, and is completely pathetic and degrading to our people. While I do agree with Thoreau on this topic, I also believe that we have been provided with many benefits by the adancement in todays technology. We have discovered cures for illnesses, new ways of communication, and quicker ways of trasportation, just to name a few of the benefits. Although some may disagree with technology overpowering the minds of our people, it also has provided for us and we must look at it in not only a negative manner, but posistive as well. Sure it has made mankind a tad lazier; however, it is crucial for people to understand means of superior technology has brought our nations to bigger and better places.
Having a burning fire during the cavemen ages was considered an invention of a very intelligent mind back then. Now having an iPod and a cell phone together in one is one of the many inventions people are going crazy about. So what possible "Tool" could be next?
Thoreau's quote carried much relevance then and it still carries much now. Man, as time goes on becomes a lazier species because of all the new inventions. We rely on calculators to do math, computers to find out information, music can now be taken anywhere with us and so on. So what happens when technology is taken away? Man feels as though they are paralyzed and cant do anything. For instance when a teacher tells their students to write out a whole broad of notes, instantly moans and groans fall upon the room. Thoreau’s quote will keep its relevance until “tools” stop advancing and that doesn’t seem like it will happen unless man becomes extinct. The human development depends on “tools” to help us move on. Sooner or later robots will be apart of the human species with the advancement technology is taking us and will become tools of their “tools".
To a social teenage girl, a cell phone is a necessity. To an adult business worker, a cell phone is a necessity. To a nerdy high school boy, the internet is a must have essential. To a well-known reporter, the internet is a must have essential. In the eyes of all Americans living in today's society, these statements could not be more valid. In Thoreau's eyes, as he viewed the 1800's, as well as the future, these statements are just sorry excuses for people making themselves feel more productive and useful. These electronic devices are considered efficient and vital life-improvements in today’s world of technology, but Thoreau mocks this dependency on such devices without even personally witnessing this high degree and demand for complex "tools."
His aphorism, “Men have become the tools of their tools,” is referring to the excess work men create when trying to produce ways of doing things more quickly and easily. This contradicts the entire purpose for making tools. It is almost sad to realize how easily our generations were able to be predicted. Thoreau saw this modern society almost two centuries ago. He was all for simplicity. We, as the futures for this electronically-driven world, are all for simplicity too, but only if this simplicity gets faster, and faster, and faster, or more complex, and complicated, and computerized. Where is this modernized society headed?
Personally, I love the technology I am subjected to everyday. I honestly can’t imagine life without the internet or my cell phone. Sadly, though, this is exactly what Thoreau expected. He knew each new tool, would cause its users to try and invent an even better tool. This continuous creation of new “tools” has led us to live with our most essential necessities of life being electronic. In a way, I am scared to see where this pattern takes us, and our world, in the next century or so. I wish a tool that served its purpose was enough for people sometimes, but apparently, nothing is ever enough.
I think that technology has had an overall positive effect on society. True, it may promote lazyness but it also allows us to live the comfortable and relatively efficient lives that we do. Cars continually become more efficient allowing us to travel farther for less money. Planes allow us to travel across the country in less than a day, when a hundred years ago it would have been taken months. Then there are the luxury items that come from technology, such as ipods and other entertainment devices. These things bring a level of relaxation to modern life. They have also led to the rise of entire industries. Before recorded music was common musicians often could not make a living off of their music. They could perform in front of small audiences but that was about the full extent of their capabilities. Now, with the ability to record music and the internet anyone who puts in a genuine effort can reach a relatively large audience. With amplification the musicians can even reach a large audience during their performances. Also, computers have had a very importan effect on society. they have allowed healthcare to improve greatly, which in turn has increased the average lifespan, and they also allow an extermely widespread exchange of ideas that has led to the world becoming like one large community
As I read other peoples quotes, all I heard was that the tools of today are a necessity, that ever since the caveman, tools have made us lazier. Somebody said that it’s hard to believe how people lived back in 1860 with “simple” tools that we have advanced. I agree that the equipment and appliances we possess today make some people lazier, but for others it only increases their workload. With greater power come greater expectations. My dad is a general contractor, and just yesterday he accomplished a full days worth of work within an hour. Is that laziness? And what made it possible for him to complete that much work?
Some people depend on modern tools of this age. The computer is the most prominent, ranging from a simple calculator to an alarm clock to a DNA analyzer. The internet has become the most widespread medium of information, accessible to the whole world. Indeed, “men have become tools of their tools.” To Thoreau, his quote meant that people have become dependent on the technology they create. The original intent of the tools we make and use was to lessen our workload, but we strive to ever more lighten the load that we slave and work harder to do so. And we depend so much upon these tools that without them our whole structure (of a company, school, government, nearly anything) crumbles and requires more work to fix.
What I think Thoreau desired for people to realize was that we do not need to be slaves to technology, to the ever increasing tools of our day. Is a cell phone or the internet or a calculator really necessary? Are the tasks they do really in need of a new tool? I think life would be much simpler and more relaxed if we extracted what was not needed and simply did what our minds can do. Tools for construction like a hammer and nails are necessary but are power tools completely necessary? They only add to the amount of work we can do. We do not live in a simplistic lifestyle, nor did Thoreau, and the future holds no promise of it either. So as long as humans live, they will always be tools to the tools they create.
While Thoreau’s aphorism makes complete sense at first glance, it seems to lose its philosophical meaning after the first or second glance. Yes, iPods do not hold any true significance in society, but they do represent the transformation of an entire industry. This aphorism applied more to Thoreau, rather than ourselves. Thoreau’s philosophy regarding living simply was something he truly believed in, but this lifestyle is not ideal for everyone. I feel like the intent of this blog is to question whether or not we are slaves to our consumer electronics. The internet is a completely necessary tool for my daily life. I do not live a day without needing to go on the internet to look up something or communicate with friends. Without the internet, society would be at a major disadvantage if the internet was never invented. Think of how email revolutionized snail mail and how social networking made getting into contact with friends so much easier. A PDA is essential to anyone who needs to set schedules or keep track of due dates. A PDA is basically an interactive calendar with other uses. While it is obvious to see that a cell phone is unnecessary, with our QWERTY keyboards and text messaging, think of why a cell phone could be useful. In case of emergency a cell phone could be used to call for help. All of these things are necessary for our modern high tech society. Thoreau obviously wouldn’t think so, because they didn’t exist when he was alive. Thoreau was able to live life without our consumer electronics we have come to cherish.
On myspace, there are these little dumb surveys that everyone takes. One question thats on there all the time is, "What can't you live without?" and the answers that come up all the time are iPods, laptops, and cell phones. Does our society thrive off of those three marvels? Of Course, even though they cause more trouble then they should for the price we pay for them.
I believe Thoreau meant that the tools men use will make things a more difficult then the product actually is. In Oakcrest, teachers are taking away iPods because kids are listening to them during class. If iPods never came out, would we still have the same problem with a different item? Would it be one less rule the school could cross off their list? Problems occur with every invention whether it is mechanically or if they are breaking rules for school.
Don't get me wrong, I love my iPod, my cell phone, my laptop, but I sometimes wish that I didn't depend on them for my school work (laptop), my relaxation (iPod), and my socialization (my cell phone/laptop). I think if I didn't have them I would be less distracted when I try to do homework, but I know I'm used to having them and I don't know what I would do without them. It's pretty ridiculous. :-(
I think that this quote is fundamental to its time period. The only thing that Thoreau knew was simplicity, which is why he went to live in the woods. The majority of society today would never even think to go into the woods for a weekend let alone two years. This is because the invention of modern day conveinces like ipods, cell phones, the internet, and many others. It is easy to say that these inventions have taken over the young generations and erased the self dependence out of their lives. However I disagree with this becasue there are people who are just using the inventions to live life, not living lfe for the inventions. The people who are using the devices are just using them as a form of whats out there, like Thoreau and his time in the woods. He used what was available for him to better his experience. However there are people in society who lost their self dependence among the radio waves and digital transmissions of television. It is those people who make it look like the younger generations have lost all of what they were becoming. I have frequently heard older generations asking me why do you need such a cool cell phone, or where is your little music player thing, or shouldnt you be on the computer surfing the web? I still have my self independence, do you?
Henry David Thoreau once said "Men have become the tools of their tools." Today this still holds true in our society.
Even though today the inventions of computers and ipods have made life easier on everyone their still is the fact that we are the ones running the machines that make our world go round.
This quote means to me that eventhough we have theses tools that they can only do so much to make our lifes easier and that our tools do most of the work and we basically work for the tools.
I think that Thoreau is right. We no longer care about seeing a person face to face because we can just text them or email them. Long lost are the letters people used to write to each other. People used to take the time to read and write letters and were so excited when they received a response a few days or even a few weeks later. Now, I know at least with myself, some of my friends will text me and if don’t reply in like two seconds they freak out and are like “fine don’t answer me then.” People now-a-days have no patience. They can not wait for a response and always have to know right then and there. Thoreau thought it was bad when he was living, but he hadn’t seen anything yet. If he had seen the lack of face to face communication that exists today he would have been mortified. Often times I hear and sometimes even find myself thinking, what would we do without cell phones. But the fact of the matter is 10 years ago almost no one had cell phones and PDAS and blackberry’s and they got along fine did they not?
Isaac Newton once stated in his third law, "for every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction." Looking at our advancements in technology over the past couple of years, this statement holds true when comparing it with Emerson's quote "Men have become the tools of their tools.” Many new technological advancements have been made to help make our lives much easier, but at the same time add stress and anger to our lives. These advancements such as computers and printers, have made our lives easier but have caused stress all around the world. For example, have you ever had the problem where you wrote a great a essay and then your printers fails to print it? Or when you are in need of the internet, but it just decides to turn off on you at the wrong time? Here we can see that people become "tools of their own tools." Despite some of the most beneficial technological advancements each year, there are always problems that come with them. Cars are not made for a life time and cause frequent problems after a couple of years. Computers become slow and can affect our jobs, schooling, and other personal jobs. But without these technological advancements, where would we be? Even though these advancements bring many problems, they also help out a great deal. I'm in the library and I am running out of time. Keep posted for my next post. Adios.
As I think about this quote, “Men have become the tools of their tools.” I think of how our society has become so dependant on technology. Most students in high school and even in junior high have cell phones, and anybody who’s anybody owns some form of I-pod. These tools of technology hold our lives and it’s not until our phone breaks or our computer crashes that we really realize how much we depend on technology.
Parents use cell phones to keep track of their kids and the kids use cell phones to keep track of their friends. Cell phones have also reached a point where its not just about keeping contact with people, daily agendas and planners can be stored in your phone, and cell phones are also doubling as watches and alarm clocks. The internet is accessible on some cell phones and the technology is just getting better as time goes on.
The internet itself is another thing that people in this age cannot do without. Most houses have a computer in it and students of all ages are expected to use computers to aid in learning and getting assignments done. 50 years ago, the television used to the place where a family would gather around to see what was new and get the scoop on all the news throughout the country. Today, any information can be found with the use of a computer, and families no longer have to watch TV together because most people have a television in their bed room.
As far as movies, music, and other entertainment goes, VHS tapes have become antiquated and DVDs have taken the spotlight. The AM and FM radios are rarely used for music anymore and even CDs are becoming less popular. The I-pod is capable of holding music as well as movies and most people use them everyday when they are subject to spare time. The world keeps turning and new inventions keep materializing to help make the media more accessible.
Our society sees technology as something that everybody should have and utilize in the best ways they can. 15 years ago, more than 2/3 of the families in America did not have computers in their homes and more than half of them did not own DVD players. I-pods were not heard of at this time and only adults had cell phones (very large cell phones at that). Not many people even see cassette tapes or walkmans anymore and headphones have transformed into tiny ear buds. People in America cannot resist technology and everyone is hungry for the next best thing that comes to the market.
“Men have become the tools of their tools.”
-Henry David Thoreau
Ever since the Neanderthal picked up two sticks and discovered fire thousands of years ago man has had a growing need to make everything bigger, better, stronger, smarter, and more convenient. These growing curiosities have led the way for technological evolutions. However, as great as these advances are in helping society become more convenient, man has become more and more dependent on them for simple everyday task; becoming almost like salves to their own creations. One could say that modern day technology has turned our civilization into one that is counter productive. It's Counter productive in a sense that because man has let himself become subjected to his own creation one has to ask where will the written directions to safety be when black clouds come roaring through our skies and the moons and oceans gleam of crimson textures?
Truth: absolutely.
Relevance: eh, not so much.
There’s no denying that Thoreau was an insightful man, and it’s especially apparent in this statement. And in his time, there was no way that society produced technology to such caliber as the Internet and cell phones. So, there’s no way that he could relate.
That is the beauty to this statement. Thoreau separated himself from society to escape such temptations that can turn even the nicest gentleman into a rabid beast. In this day and age, this fact is even more elevated. Take Myspace, for example. You’d better refresh your boyfriend’s page every minute, girls, because the second he bumps you off of his top 8, you know the relationship is o-v-e-r. And please, boys, if you have ever thought of doing a “text message breakup” to end it, remember to spell your words right. Have some dignity.
Does this sound desirable? Of course it doesn’t! That is why I agree with Thoreau whole-heartedly. He realized the extent to which technology can corrupt our human minds. There are wonderful advantages to it. I mean without out it, I wouldn’t even be typing this super homework assignment! But really, there needs to be a point of enlightenment. You know you’ve got a problem when you have a spaz attack if your cell phone isn’t in your pocket on vibrate.
There’s no denying that Thoreau spoke nothing but the truth, so help him God. But it may be completely irrelevant today, so long as everyone has the ability to text message at the speed of light and upload pictures on their Myspaces.
Thoreau never wrote “pithy little declarations” just for the hell of it. Everything he wrote had an implied intention behind it. By making this statement, he asserted his belief that all people should give up their pointless jobs of working, working and more working to move out in the woods somewhere and do nothing. That way we will be the slaves of nothing. Saying that “men have become the tools of their tools” means that Thoreau thinks that we all are used for the advancement of our inventions. Sure, this is true just as much then as it now, but is it really a bad thing? I have been reading everyone else’s comments to get a feel of what everyone else thinks about this topic, and it seems as if everyone has the same consensus; our generation is lazy and we should go back to the days of studying farming techniques by oil lamps. I’m not sure if they said this because they actually believe that or because they believe that it is what you want to hear. I am not going to subscribe that way of thinking. I know for a fact that I could not live without my iPod, cell phone, computer, graphing calculator, so on and so forth. It isn’t a bad thing. They all have practical uses, and we aren’t lazy as some people have said just because we use them. We are not “slaves to technology”. If anything, we are benefactors to our own intelligence. Just the other day I learned in my Honors Pre-calc class how to program my TI-84 graphing calculator to solve system’s of equations for me. My teacher taught us how to format our calculator and the reasons for each step. Each step had a logical and intelligent basis. This was a perfect example of how technology made our life easier only by using our intelligence. Are we lazy because we are smart? I do not think so. We are not slave, just merely satisfied constituents.
“Men have become the tools of their tools.”
In 1860, the tools Thoreau speaks of are not anywhere close to the tools we feel are necessary for our every day lives these days. Today, technology has just gotten out of control and the amount of electronics we consider essential is mind boggling. Take for example the simple party question, “If you were stranded on an island what three things would you bring?” Before recently, people’s list would consist of things such as their favorite book or something emotionally significant. Nowadays, the list is more commonly composed of a cell phone, laptop, mp3 player, ipod, or various other electronic devices. Our lives are based around technology whether we want to believe it or not. To most kids our age, we would be completely lost if we didn’t have Google. Having to actually pick up a dictionary to look up a word is completely archaic to us. We have the mentality that it is impossible to survive without such luxuries, when truthfully society has molded us to believe this. This trend was already plaguing our society in the 1860s so it is not surprising to me that we continue to be the tools of our own tools. We have become so dependent upon these tools, thus we have become them. This quote had more validity when Thoreau said it because this was becoming a new trend, but now, unfortunately, in the 21st Century, this has become something expected and normal. Even I am guilty of relying way too much on such technological tools.
Once upon a time, back in the 1860s, tools were meant to aid people. When Thoreau said, �Men have become the tools of their tools,� he meant that we have to assist those objects in order for them to assist us. For example, you have a hammer and a nail. The hammer doesn�t put the nail into the wood for you. It simply makes it easier to get the job done. Now, in the 21st century, we aren�t the tools of our tools. We have nail guns that do all the work for us. Our technology has improved so much that we barely have to work for ourselves. On one hand, it�s good that our knowledge is so vast and improving at such a quick rate. On the other hand, it�s a scary thought that we rely on things such as cell phones to get us through the day. If all that stuff was gone, what would we do? Everyone would be lost. Tools aren�t just tools anymore. They�re a part of us and some people would go as far as to say they�re necessary for our survival. If Thoreau were alive now, he�d be appalled at how irrelevant his statement has become.
Our society is base solely on electronics, as I am typing this on a computer. And to get to this computer at my friends house I had to use my cell phone to call him. I did not know his number, all I had to do was check my contact list. Without electronics, the majority of our society would be totally lost. How do we get the news? TV. And even if not tv, the newspapers are printed on electronic machines. We only can communicate there days through something electronic. It is embarrassing actually, but very true.
I am a tool of all my tools! I can’t live without my cell phone, iPODeezy, or my laptop. I don’t remember life without them. To me this quote is extremely relevant, in the sense that most of society runs under technology. We have war missiles run by computers, some of us can’t function without our digital alarm clocks, or our electronic organizers. We have become totally dependent of our “tools” that it can only make you wonder how it will affect our future. What’s next robots, and hover cars. We are subjective in the sense that we some how feel less practical without tools that make life easier, but don’t they just complicate it. Which is why this quote could mean that once we create our tools the more complicated they become, and we end up fixing them and perfecting them more than we’re using them. A lot of it is our society’s laziness, that needs to make life so simple and less tedious. Now we have vacuums that do all the work, and wireless ear phones. From here we’re only going to progress. I do feel as though the quote meant something different because things weren’t exactly the same, but they same idea could be applied. My theory is Thoreau was way before his time, because I don’t want to say that men couldn’t live without their plow like I can’t live with out my cell phone. To me it means that eventually you become dependent on your “tools” after you become dependent that’s when men become “tools of their tools”.
I completely agree that this quote still has relevance today if not more than it did in 1860. When you even begin to think of the innumerable amount of gadgets people have at their fingertips you will be stunned at the amazing rate laziness is promoted. Basically every person I know has a cell phone or an Ipod. These “tools” are some of the main components in a teenager’s life. Just recently I had an accident with my phone and now I don’t have one and I feel so disconnected without it. This day and age people have it so much easier than people in the old days. Devices that cut your food for you, automatic car starters, and lawn mowers that you can drive on instead of pushing. The idea of hard work and determination is diminishing as new generations appear. Even though I think God everyday for these new advancements in our technology they are also the cause of many problems our society faces today. Some of these problems include obesity, a decrease in intelligence, and even diseases. With amenities such as calculators and spell check it is showing people that it is okay to not know how to spell or how to do simple math because you have something to do all the work for you without you having to try. The machinery we have now to make production rates higher are the same machines pumping thousands maybe even millions of carcinogens into the air a day depleting the atmosphere and killing people. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if we hadn’t made these changes in our society would it really be for the better that will still ate dinner by candle light? I guess it sort of a catch 22.
Since the dawn of time, society has insisted upon the idea that man should focus all of his time and energy on using all tools applicable to succeed socially and economically as much as we can. When tools were first invented they were intended to make our labors easier, but as time went on this focus shifted. In our drive for productivity we create even more work for ourselves. When Thoreau said that men have become “tools of their tools,” he creates a statement that resonates with the nature of men both of his time, and of the current day world. Man sees the advantages we have created for ourselves and rather than letting tools simplify our way of life, we decide to instead let them serve to complicate it. Back in Thoreau’s day and age men consumed themselves with tending to their farms and work. Today on the other hand, man works constantly to keep up with technology. With the advent of computers in the mid twentieth century the evolution of technology has sped up to an almost ridiculous rate. It seems as though you can’t even own a computer for a month or so before it becomes completely outdated. The time and money we could save by using a computer becomes completely outweighed by the energy we spend trying to keep up with the newest model. Function has been supplanted by fashion as the chief aim of this technological maze we have designed for ourselves. So as time as progressed Thoreau’s statement that man has become “the tool of his tools,” has not only remained true, but also has evolved to be true in more ways than when it was originally penned. Thoreau’s words have become even more relevant to the modern day world than he could possibly have imagined.
As known, technology and tools have very much advanced since the late 1800s. We have ipods, cars, planes, calculators, and etc. This quote by Thoreau relates to today and the past. From improving our simpler lives to enslaving innocent people, tools may be improving for the worst. We have been relying on technology for every single thing we must do. For example, computers: instead of looking up information by reading a book you just “google” the it, instead of finding spelling errors on your own in word it underlines the error. Man is relying on technology way too much. Technology has taken over most work for us today. It is almost like doing simple work is primitive. We cannot do an activity or chore without a tool to make it easier. I think the meaning of this quote means that we rely on tools or technology way too much. Tools are taking over our lives from the simple chores to entertainment. I think Thoreau may be talking about slavery. We are using tools to enslave these people and abuse them physically and emotionally. Men would work and work all day, but the slave owners would whip or kill these slaves to death. We would enslave these people by trading or capturing them. Both today and the past have been affected by tools. In all people are abusing these tools to better their own lives. We need to work more and rely on tools less. If we rely on tools too much they will control us. Like the Matrix.
As known, technology and tools have very much advanced since the late 1800s. We have ipods, cars, planes, calculators, and etc. This quote by Thoreau relates to today and the past. From improving our simpler lives to enslaving innocent people, tools may be improving for the worst. We have been relying on technology for every single thing we must do. For example, computers: instead of looking up information by reading a book you just “google” the it, instead of finding spelling errors on your own in word it underlines the error. Man is relying on technology way too much. Technology has taken over most work for us today. It is almost like doing simple work is primitive. We cannot do an activity or chore without a tool to make it easier. I think the meaning of this quote means that we rely on tools or technology way too much. Tools are taking over our lives from the simple chores to entertainment. I think Thoreau may be talking about slavery. We are using tools to enslave these people and abuse them physically and emotionally. Men would work and work all day, but the slave owners would whip or kill these slaves to death. We would enslave these people by trading or capturing them. Both today and the past have been affected by tools. In all people are abusing these tools to better their own lives. We need to work more and rely on tools less. If we rely on tools too much they will control us. Like the Matrix.
“Men have become the tools of their tools.” This quote even though it was written in 1860 has relevance still today. Although the tools used back in that day was hammers and nails or people wrote letters on paper with pens, they were still in charge of their tools. Today, the same applies the technology might have advanced but people still run their tools. Yes, everyone is right at times that we have become dependent on our tools but there are times we still use the other simple tools that let us get to this point today.
Tools advance in technology because man gets more intelligent and makes better and more advanced tools. Men create the tools and use them everyday. It doesn’t matter whether the tools today are more advanced and make us lazier it’s the fact that we are what make our tools run. We are the tools of our tools.
Thoreau wrote this quote to express how we control our tools to make the necessities of life. We are the tools that make our tools work to build houses and make food for ourselves. We need to make use of the tools we are given and apply them to our lives.
I feel even though we have much higher technology then we did when this quote was written it doesn’t take away the significance of the quote. No matter how advanced out technology gets we are the tools of our tools. How are tools even created? How would tools even be able to run? If there wasn’t man creating all this who else or what else would be the tools of their tools? Men are the tools of their tools.
“Men have become the tools of their tools.” This quote I think has meaning if applied to the peoples in our world. Everyone relies on things that they cannot control any longer. We rely on electricity for everything. If the power goes out, we can do just about nothing. We rely on our computers. If our computer gets a virus, though, and all our files are deleted, we lose everything that we’ve had and everything that we were working on. Our televisions are the main source of entertainment in this nation. No longer do people get a group of twenty people and play a pick-up game of baseball, soccer, basketball, or football. We complain about not having enough time to do things, but we waste our lives away waiting for things. We waste time in the doctor’s office; we waste time on the phone; we waste time on the computer; we waste time watching television. All these advances, from medical care to optical entertainment, fritter our lives away. We no longer control when we use these things. We have to use them. To signal an emergency, we need our cell phones, but what if there’s no service? To get to just about anywhere, we need our cars. What if our car’s broken down, and we need to get to the hospital? Our lives have been put into the hands of mechanical things that we have manufactured. We have invented things at an incredible rate to make our lives easier. In reality, though, these are the things that are limiting us. If something’s broken, almost everyone in the entire population doesn’t have the power to fix it. We are not the masters of the technology we have, but the servants.
I think that Thoreau was thinking about his idea of “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!” (Walden). Thoreau said this because he set himself apart from all the others whom were using the technology of the age, and he saw how dependent we are on them. If a farmer’s plow broke, he couldn’t till the land. Events like this made him realize that people started relying on circumstances that couldn’t be controlled.
I think that we have progressed too far with the technology we have at our disposal to do anything about being the servants of our tools. The internet permits us to send out information and have it be seen by everyone on the planet. The phone allows us to talk with any one from almost any place on the planet. Planes have let us travel around the world with ease. There is no reverting back to the simplicity that Thoreau describes in Walden, which is his utopia. There is no way to not rely on our technology because it makes things faster, easier, and less stressful almost all the time. Our world has become flat, and there is no shaping it back into the separated sections of civilizations that it once was. Now that we are connected with almost every person in the world, to break that connection would be nigh impossible. I think we’re stuck with being servants of our own success.
"Men have become the tools of their tools."
I couldn’t tell you how many times I have heard someone say, “I forgot my cell phone! What am I going to do?” Or even, “I left my iPod at home. The ride (20 minutes) is going to be so boring!” We rely too much on tools and conveniences that we really shouldn’t depend upon too much. It has come to a point where we don’t know what to do without them. But for Thoreau, his meaning must have been completely different. He didn’t have iPods and cell phones to worry about. His tools were plows, pulled by horses not machines, and an abacus instead of a calculator, and a screwdriver instead of a drill. If Thoreau thought that men depended upon their tools too much in the 19th century, I couldn’t imagine what he would think of us now. For heaven’s sake, they didn’t even have cars in Thoreau’s time, and now we have cars that will parallel park themselves!
What I think Thoreau was saying was that men don’t live life simply. After reading Walden, I always ask my self why I’m doing something, and half the time, there is no particular reason. I do it because the tools are there for me to do it. Like listen to my iPod when I could listen to the radio, or use my cell phone when I could use my house phone. We would still survive if we only had the simple tools in life. We could still do math without a calculator. There is such a thing as pencil and paper. We could still make music without an iPod, it’s called singing, or even physically playing an instrument. Sometimes I think I was born into the wrong century. Things were so much more simple and non-complex in the earlier centuries. Life was how you made it, not what the tools made it.
"Men have become tools of their own tools."
In this very simple, but at the same time deep, quote Thoreau states that we have become obsessed with our "tools". Little did he know we would even further be engulfed by technology and tools.
I think this quote makes a point that is still made today, that we are obsessed with our technology and conveniences. It's amazing to think that someone thought the same way about their advancements back in the 19th century.
To Thoreau, I think this meant almost the same thing. The people of his time became very interested and driven by the new technology.
I associate this quote with Thoreau possibly predicting the future according to the behavior of man. This quote is true and we have become very concerned with the tools we take for advantage every second of the day. From the internet we're using this blog to write, or the light that keeps me able to do my homework endless hours of the night. I think Thoreau made an observation on human behavior and therefore stated this quote, which we still can apply our lives to today.
This is a tricky quote. At first I was a little confused and didn’t know what it meant, but after some serious pondering I figured it out. The word “tool” has two meanings; obviously there is the common meaning of a device or instrument necessary to carry out an action or trade. There is a second definition too though; tool can also be a person who is unknowingly used by another. This is the critical piece of information. What Mr. Thoreau must have meant by this is that people are being used by their tools, in other words, they have become reliant on their tools. This quote probably has more relevance today than it did when it was originally written; it’s almost impossible to escape tools or technology, they are everywhere. Because it’s human nature to embrace things that make their life easier, I believe that this quote meant the same thing to Mr. Thoreau as it does to me. Which are people have become reliant on their tools. The tools may have been different in Thoreau’s day but the people were the same. Whether it’s good or not that people are reliant on their tools, is to remain unforeseen. I have a hunch it’s a bad thing though, because if you take away the tools, what becomes of the man?
As I read the previous comments, I came across quite a few people who have said that this technology has caused laziness in society. While I agree with this statement, I would have to say that our inventions have caused increased efficiency and work rate. For example, with the invention of mass production by Henry Ford, thousands of cars can be produced in a matter of minutes. As a result, everyone can purchase a car at a relatively reasonable price (because of high supply). Additionally, cars allow people to travel to faraway places, such as Vineland, in a matter of minutes. If cars were not invented, the same trip would take a day or two. So, basically, what I am saying is that inventions are a great thing that, for the most part, make our lives easier.
However (to finally address the Thoreau quote), men truly have become "tools of their tools." There are many instances that come to mind where technology just does not cooperate with me. For example, if you're driving home and your car breaks down in what looks like an unchartered territory, you are helpless in the situation -- especially if you forget your cell phone at home. In that way, we are servants to our technology. And, to be honest, I don't really have a problem with that. The Internet helps us to connect with others all over the world, the dishwasher cleans dishes to a sparkly sheen in a matter of minutes, and camcorders and cameras help to retain memories of our childhood. Sure, we rely on technology to make our lives easier, and, at times, it does not cooperate. But, overall, technology has certainly been a huge asset in our society.
“Men have become the tools of their tools.” – Henry David Thoreau
Back in the 19th century, men only had the tools they needed to survive. However, Thoreau realized that men were becoming dependent on their tools. They acted as if they couldn’t live without their tools. Today, we act the same exact way. People act as if they couldn’t live without their computers or iPods or televisions. We depend on our technology so much these days we don’t even realize it. When Thoreau said “men have become the tools of their tools” I think he means that we are not only dependent on our tools but we have become prisoners of our tools. Since we think we cannot live without these modern-day conveniences, we have to learn how to use the tools like never before. Previously, we were able to pick up a hammer or a saw and know automatically how to use that tool. Now, we need classes and/or instructions on how to use modern-day tools no matter what the type. These tools can be power tools, computers, software, calculators, and even automobiles. One example was while I was in Hess; everybody took a computer class solely to learn how to use the computer and all of the basic software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If I was born 100 years ago, I would be writing all of my letters on paper with ink, not pens, and would not have the convenience of spell check or erasing. This is not in any way a negative view on modern-day tools. This is just showing you how people rely on modern-day technology so much that without it we would be like a wet match in a dark cave.
This quote is completely relevant to modern times. These tools are what cause the constant competition in our society. You are often ranked by the amount or quality of these tools. People these days pity those who do not possess a cell phone. Kids look at kids who don't own an ipod as being neglected. The standards of needing something, and wanting something have drastically changed. In his time something you'd need would be a better water supply or something along the lines of survival. Although now, everyone needs a car as if there isn’t enough other forms of transportation, people have panic attacks if they leave the house without there cell phones. These tools control us to do drastic out of character things. They alter our perception on others and even our selves. I'll be completely honest, i am a tool of my tools. I use tools on daily basis and find myself fustrated if I don't have access to them. We have to use the internet just to do a english assignment!!
"Men have become the tools of their tools." That quote is rather interesting. It really made me think and I'm pretty sure that is what this blog is all about. Even though I did blogs last year, I feel that this year's question will be more thought provoking than the last. Anyway, back to the quote. This quote is very true, in that, people have become the tools of their tools. I know that I have fallen victim to technology. If my iPod or my cell phone dies, I go through a withdrawal. It's actually quite depressing. I become really angry and throw things across the room. I was just kidding about that last statement, but I do feel like part of me is missing. It seems as though my iPod controls me, and commands me to listen to music all day long. I feel, that in a way, Thoreau knew this was going to happen in the future and needed to prove it by secluding himself. As a result, he knew what it felt like to live without luxuries, and realized that he didn't need them to survive. Hence the term luxuries. Since i don't know what it's like to live in a time period where there isn't much technology, my opinion isn't weighted as heavily as someone like Thoreau. Overall, technology has been vital to today's society, but a little break from it here or there never hurt anyone.
This quote, like many other's of Thoreau, still stands true today in the modern America. Just tonight I proved once again that I am very much a tool of my tools. By saying I'm a tool I mean that I am somewhat controlled or effected by technology. In tonight's case it was my computer. I was babysitting and the house which I was babysitting at had a broken computer. I was flipping out a bit because I didn't think I would be able to get my blog done in time. Now that I think about it, it's pretty ridiculous that I was flipping out over lack of a computer. Another instance where I've proven his statement true was the past couple days. I don't think I've ever been so protective over anything than I am of my new iPod. That, too, is all pretty ridiculous. It's an iPod! It's not like it's my life, or something that would actually have an impact on my life were it to be lost or broken. The world is insane with technology. It runs our lives. For most occupations now-a-days you are required to know how to use a computer and/or other equipment. Do I want to change it though? of course not. I think the meaning of “tool” has changed though since Thoreau wrote it. I think he probably meant that people were giving up their old ways for ways that were fresher and more popular.
Technology has become one of the most important aspects of our lives, it has almost reached the point where we can't seem to even survive without our technology. As far as Thoreau's quote is concerned we no longer are able to tell how the tools we use work, even people who program computers very rarely understand exactly how the differing circuits come together to even create a program we have programs written to aid us in writing programs. Thoreau may have originally meant not tools literally but perhaps societies and social structures which were created to aid in survival but have suddenly begun to control human existence.
Even though Thoreau wrote this quote back in 1860, I think it is more profound and relevant now than it was back then.
There's no way to get around it, and it's something that we've all got to admit; technology is life. We've all got computers with internet access, at least two or more televisions in our houses, cell phones for each person in the family, and iPods for the music fanatics. Some of us don't even realize that we're consuming 90% of our day with technology (only because the other 10% is when we sleep!) because it's just become a way of life for us now. I don't think I realized it until one time when we lost our electricity and it felt like I couldn't do anything at all. Even when I was THAT bored, snuggling up to a book by candle light didn't sound that great because all I could think about was "oh my gosh, who's online that I'm missing out on a conversation with?" or "oh man, i need to check myspace!". It's pathetic, but Thoreau really had a great point.
Of course, Thoreau didn't have a computer with internet access or an iPod or a Wii or even a cell phone, but back then I'm sure he was referring to the material needs of the common man. I really do find it interesting that this qoute was written so long ago, but it holds so much value now, probably even more than it did when it was first written.
In modern times, this quote holds a great amount of relevance. We are now living in an era, which is believed to be the Technological Era. Technology, “tools”, is commonly used today. Technology has made itself a fundamental basis for the society in which we live today. Everywhere you go, you can never fail to notice how much of a significant impact tools have made on us. A person can’t imagine life without what we would call simple necessities. Simple necessities range anywhere from a simple fan, to an A.C. However, there is a reverse side to this as well. Thinking globally, there are many countries in Asia and Africa to which this quote bears little or no relevance. To Thoreau, I believed it meant that during his lifetime he was experiencing either the industrial revolution, or an era in which new ideas were rapidly being introduced. However, it can’t be certain as to what Thoreau was thinking, considering the fact that life back then was much simpler then that of today’s. This quote, to me, holds some relevance due to the fact that I am living in the U.S.A. I am dependent on technology for some things, though not as much as the typical American. I don’t believe that I would lose my cool due to misplacing my mp3 player, or losing electricity due to bad weather conditions. I can personally easily live a simpler lifestyle, which is the case when I go back to my home country for the summer. Overall, technology could be a downfall, if we become to dependent on it.
A cell phone. This is one thing that is extremely hard to find a person in high school and beyond without in 2007. This quote by Thoreau is saying that we have become completely dependent on our cells phones, PDAs, mp3 players, and any other imaginable electronic device, even the computer. I realize this dependence because I found myself without my cell phone one time this year overnight and found it very hard because I couldn't go to text message someone or get a phone number from it. Also, even the computer is an absolutel necessity for everyone. In school, everything must be typed almost, so that requires most students to have one. Thoreau could not possibly have imagined the amount of technology available now. It is almost ridiculous because, people have gotten so lazy in America that you can now speak a document into a computer and it will type it out for you. You aren't even required to type it yourself. Also, the intelligence level of many Americans has probably gone down as well because of things like amazing calculators to perform any math equation and spell check and thesaurus, so you don't even need to think. Thoreau would be utterly astonished and how the tool of our tools has become our electronics.
In today’s society the quote “Men have become the tools of their tools” still holds true. In reality we do not need to keep improving on something that already gets the job done. Tools were created to make work and all around life easier to manage and complete, by always trying to improve we are somewhat making ourselves the tool to the tool that we originally created to help us save time. If we were to always spend our time developing new un-needed things were would in essence be failing our original goal which is to only make the tool that will get our job done faster. Today everyone has to have the newest gear and gadgets, because they act as fashion statements and are a contributing factor to the way we are judged. If someone does not follow the latest trend or does not have an Ipod they can sometimes be shunned from the “popular” populace, which would enforce the fact that we are becoming our tool’s tools. By relying on our devices we are in a way working for our tool which completely depletes the importance and use of these instruments in the first place. Just by living in the U.S., which is a civilization very much based on our equipment, it is obvious that our dependence on technology is unhealthy. It is almost unheard of to not own a cell phone by the standards of today as young adults, yet believe it or not %50 of the population in the world has yet to even lay the hands or eyes for that matter on a cellular device. The impact of these paraphernalia on the world has indeed made us tools of our tools and we are all, whether we like it or not, living examples of this.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUNJE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mrs. Bunje, I finally got blogger to work after I got your request, sorry that it’s a little late. =)
I think this declaration holds true to modern times more than in the past. People rely on tools for almost everything. No matter what it is, there is a tool to accomplish anything. People have sort of just gotten used to the pattern of just relying on them. I think that the quote, “Men have become the tools of their tools,” means that men made tools but have become reliant on them. They made them to help themselves but now have fallen into their use. People have been manipulated by the things that they have made. Since history ahs been recorded, no matter how simple it was, tools have existed. Back in Thoreau’s time, I think he meant that people are becoming too reliant on things that they don’t need. Instead of just living with necessities, people have to have more. He got away from those tools by living in the woods, but others were addicted to using tools. I think I take this differently than Thoreau because I live in a different time. If Thoreau thought that people were reliant on tools then, then he would die seeing society today. Everybody these days has a cell phone, an iPod, and is constantly on the internet. People have just become so reliant on these things. Man created them to help people, but now it has backfired because we are overly reliant on them.
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