The Machine in the Garden

1
The Machine in the Garden

• Technology and the Pastoral Ideal in America
• Leo Marx

2
Summary

• The Author explains the contradictions between
  leading the life under the pastoral ideals and
  the highly machine dependent industrial ones.

3
Pastoralism

• The balance between nature and civilization
• The pursuit of rural happiness while devoting
  itself to productivity, wealth, and power

4
The Dream of America

• Europeans dazzled by the untouched New World
• Opportunity to escape political and economical
  oppression
• A chance to live simple and independent lives

5
Industrial Revolution

• The conflict between industrialization and
  pastoral ideals
• American simple life vs. European industrialized
  life
• Rationalize the machines to fit the ideals of
  pastoralism

6
Two Kingdoms of Force

• In the end, machines and new technology is
  prevalent and integrated in our society
• Society has made many advantageous advancement
  through Science and Technology
• Or has these advancements harmed us? Have we
  lost our ideals? Are Jeffersons dreams
  shattered?

7
Men Become Tools of Their Tools

• What does this mean?
• As a society we are focused on the means but not
  on the ends, and instrumentalist without ideals
• Is this the reality?

8
Resolution to this Conflict

• Is there a solution?
• What is precious to us? Convenience vs. a Healthy
  home
• We are aware of the truth, but are we too
  apathetic to these concerns?
• Finding a balance, but how do we define it?