More and more we are into communications; and less and less into communication.
Studs TerkelRead
Perhaps it is this specter that most haunts working men and women: the planned obsolescence of people that is of a piece with the planned obsolescence of the things they make. Or sell.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the idea that society often devalues people in a manner similar to how products are designed to become obsolete.
Studs Terkel's quote points to a troubling reality in the modern workforce, where individuals may feel like disposable commodities, mirroring the planned obsolescence of the products they produce or sell. This phenomenon raises significant ethical questions about how we value human contributions and the impact of consumer culture on our perceptions of work and worth.
Themes
Planned ObsolescenceWorkValueHumanitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about workers' rights, this quote can emphasize the importance of valuing employees.
More from Studs Terkel
All quotes →When it comes to the news, the corporate view is `objective,' all else is propaganda.
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Think of what's stored in an 80- or a 90-year-old mind. Just marvel at it. You've got to get out this information, this knowledge, because you've got something to pass on. There'll be nobody like you ever again. Make the most of every molecule you've got as long as you've got a second to go.
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Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better. Interweave all these communities and you really have an America that is back on its feet again. I really think we are gonna have to reassess what constitutes a 'hero'.
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We are the most powerful nation in the world, but we're not the only nation in the world. We are not the only people in the world. We are an important people, the wealthiest, the most powerful and, to a great extent, generous. But we are part of the world.
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I read somewhere that when a person takes part in community action, his health improves. Something happens to him or to her biologically. It's like a tonic.
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