

#1948
Mentioned in 23 episodes
The Technological Society
Book • 1964
In 'The Technological Society,' Jacques Ellul discusses the concept of 'technique,' which he defines as the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency in every field of human activity.
Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations.
He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control.
The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life.
Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations.
He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control.
The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 23 episodes
Mentioned by 

when discussing the concept of efficiency and its impact on society.


Cory Hixson

290 snips
233: Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau
Mentioned as a source for Kaczynski's ideas on technology and society.

195 snips
The Sunday Read: ‘The Strange, Post-Partisan Popularity of the Unabomber’
Recommended by 

as a magnificent book that more people should read.


Lee C. Camp

139 snips
Political Division, Technology, and the War for our Attention with Dr. Lee Camp
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a prescient critique of technology and a helpful corrective in thinking about technological determinism.

Jason Thacker

27 snips
Replay: The Age of AI with Jason Thacker
Mentioned throughout the podcast as the central theme, exploring his critique of technology's dehumanizing effects.
26 snips
Why Technology is Enslaving and Dehumanizing Us
Mentioned by 

as a favorite author who inspired Tectonic, warning about the spread of technology.


Mark Hurst

18 snips
Duncan Moench on "soylent screens" and producerism from Jul 14, 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

to illustrate the idea that efficiency colonizes everything.

Howard Rheingold

17 snips
Howard Rheingold on Lucid Life Online & Attention As A 21st Century Literacy
Mentioned by 

in the context of discussing the application of technology to medicine and the illusion of control.


John Stonestreet

17 snips
The Fallout From 10 Years of Obergefell and Colorado's Radical New Laws
Besproken in de podcast als een van Ellul's belangrijkste werken over techniek en de technologische samenleving.

15 snips
Jacques Ellul
Mentioned by Lee Camp as a magisterial work discussing technique as the relentless pursuit of efficiency without regard to ends.

15 snips
245: Unabridged Interview: Rumman Chowdhury






