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The embrace of a new technology by ordinary people leads inevitably to its embrace by people of malign intent.
Charles C. Mann
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Interpretation

What this quote means

New technologies can be adopted for both good and bad purposes; it's often the common people who first use these innovations.

This quote highlights the dual-edged nature of technological advancement, suggesting that while new technologies can enhance the lives of ordinary people, they also inevitably attract individuals with harmful intentions. The widespread adoption of technology leads to a situation where both benevolent and malevolent users exploit its capabilities, raising important ethical questions about the responsibilities of innovators and consumers alike.

Themes

TechnologySocietyEthicsIntentionInnovation

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about responsible tech use, one might cite this quote to emphasize the need for ethical considerations.

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