The Technological Society

By: Jacques Ellul

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

As insightful and wise today as it was when originally published in France in 1954, Jacques Ellul’s The Technological Society has become a classic in its field, laying the groundwork for all other studies of technology and society that have followed.

Ellul offers a penetrating analysis of our technological civilization, showing how technology - which began innocuously enough as a servant of humankind - threatens to overthrow humanity itself in its ongoing creation of an environment that meets its own ends. No conversation about the dangers of technology and its unavoidable effects on society can begin without a careful listening of this book.

©1964 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (P)2021 by Blackstone Publishing

Very relevant for today society

I found the read stimulating my concepts of technology and its effects on people. Made me question how I have been impacted by man's creations and see how my desires for 'new technologies' could ensnare me in a material trap of my devising.

A Classic Read Well

Narrator was excellent, also easy to understand at a faster rate if you, like me, like to listen to audiobooks at an accelerated speed. As for the content, this book is a classic for a reason. I find the last two chapters the most interesting, so if you have trouble getting into the book, know that those chapters may be worth your efforts.

The Machine

A great translation and reading. Welcome my friend to the machine, it's alright we know where you've been

A Clear Understanding.

One of the most important books you will ever read in regards to the current predicament of man.

A valuable work, well executed.

An incredibly worthwhile book from an insightful and thoughtful author. The narrator is just perfect.

Note to the publisher: There are smalls errors:

"...but this development was no more intense than it had been under the Roman Empire." is repeated at 2:39:06
(Chapter 1: Techniques, Section: Historical Development, Sub-section: Christianity and Technique).

13:49:28 - (Chapter 4: Technique and the State, Repercussions on the State, Technique and Constitution) "the means of exerting 'pleasure' " should be "exerting pressure". I double-checked that one with my English copy.

I know this is a newly released work, so I'm more than happy to share more feedback if I'm given a place to share it. Thanks.