Luddite
a person who is resistant to new technologies
TRANSLATION
Luddite = der Technikfeind --- GOOGLE INDEX Luddite: approximately 4,500,000 Google hits
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
I am not asking anyone to become a LUDDITE and forgo the benefits and wonders of modern technology. I am saying - know the dangers of holding mobile phones next to the brain and body, and be safe.
(San Francisco Chronicle)
---
Is it okay to be a LUDDITE?
- title of a 1984 essay by novelist Thomas R. Pynchon
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"Anti-globalization protesters are modern-day LUDDITES says ICC President. - As protesters against globalization attempt to penetrate the World Economic Forum, BBC News Online invited ICC President Richard D. McCormick to make the case for the global economy and the positive role of business in the battle against poverty."
(Davos, Switzerland)
(San Francisco Chronicle)
---
Is it okay to be a LUDDITE?
- title of a 1984 essay by novelist Thomas R. Pynchon
---
"Anti-globalization protesters are modern-day LUDDITES says ICC President. - As protesters against globalization attempt to penetrate the World Economic Forum, BBC News Online invited ICC President Richard D. McCormick to make the case for the global economy and the positive role of business in the battle against poverty."
(Davos, Switzerland)
Did you
know?
Luddite
noun
- a person who is opposed to the introduction of new working methods, especially new machines
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
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In 1977 Ken Olsen, then-CEO of Digital Computer Corp. said he saw "no reason for any individual to have a personal computer in his home." Although the quote was widely publicised out of context (he was not talking about the modern PC, rather large centralised computers that control every facet of our lives such as turning the lights on and off), the fact that the head of a computer company appeared to be a Luddite made headlines.
Luddite stems from an early 19th century social movement that opposed the changes brought about by the industrial revolution. The principal objection was to the introduction of new automated looms that could be operated by cheap unskilled labour, resulting in the loss of jobs for many skilled textile workers.
As a means of protest, the artisans sometimes resorted to breaking or "Ludding" machines. Popular legend had it that one day a young simpleton named Ned Ludd got tired of his job and stopped working. His boss convinced a judge that Ned should be whipped. Ned smashed up his weaving machine in response.
Desperate, and inspired by this tale of Ned Ludd, between 1811 and 1817 thousands of stocking makers went on a rampage and destroyed weaving frames, factories, and workshops. When they weren't trashing machinery, they robbed storehouses and rioted over food prices and supplies. By the height of the rebellion, "Ned Ludd" had been promoted to mythical leader of the Luddites.
(sources: ARS Technica, Wikipedia)
Note:
You may occasionally hear the word "Luddism" to describe the philosophy of this movement.
---
SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"I wonder how many Luddites would object to using a mobile phone if their children were in a life-threatening situation."
noun
- a person who is opposed to the introduction of new working methods, especially new machines
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
---
In 1977 Ken Olsen, then-CEO of Digital Computer Corp. said he saw "no reason for any individual to have a personal computer in his home." Although the quote was widely publicised out of context (he was not talking about the modern PC, rather large centralised computers that control every facet of our lives such as turning the lights on and off), the fact that the head of a computer company appeared to be a Luddite made headlines.
Luddite stems from an early 19th century social movement that opposed the changes brought about by the industrial revolution. The principal objection was to the introduction of new automated looms that could be operated by cheap unskilled labour, resulting in the loss of jobs for many skilled textile workers.
As a means of protest, the artisans sometimes resorted to breaking or "Ludding" machines. Popular legend had it that one day a young simpleton named Ned Ludd got tired of his job and stopped working. His boss convinced a judge that Ned should be whipped. Ned smashed up his weaving machine in response.
Desperate, and inspired by this tale of Ned Ludd, between 1811 and 1817 thousands of stocking makers went on a rampage and destroyed weaving frames, factories, and workshops. When they weren't trashing machinery, they robbed storehouses and rioted over food prices and supplies. By the height of the rebellion, "Ned Ludd" had been promoted to mythical leader of the Luddites.
(sources: ARS Technica, Wikipedia)
Note:
You may occasionally hear the word "Luddism" to describe the philosophy of this movement.
---
SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"I wonder how many Luddites would object to using a mobile phone if their children were in a life-threatening situation."
