Technology's unchecked rise: A philosophical look at hubris and the potential for collapse

The article delves into the philosophical concept of "hubris," or excessive pride, in human endeavors, particularly in creation. It draws parallels with Greek philosophy, suggesting that while humans possess the capacity to conceive and realize new things, they often overlook a crucial condition: whether their creations can be integrated into the infinite system of existence.

This cautionary tale is echoed in the "genie out of the bottle" metaphor, prevalent in major cultures, which warns against unleashing forces that humanity may lose control over. The author highlights the ancient Greek distinction between "techné," the root of our word "technology," representing everyday creation, and "poiēsis," which we now associate with poetry but originally signified a concrete warning about integrating creations into a divine order.

Modern, globalized Western society, the article argues, has elevated "techné" above all else, "cutting off" "poiēsis" and its inherent warning. Technology, though seemingly material, is a manifestation of human spiritual energy. Its accelerating, self-determined progress suggests a lack of a guiding "subject" and an inability to halt or slow it.

The core of this modern societal structure is identified as private profit, pursued relentlessly through commerce, money, and media. This principle is deemed incompatible with the fundamental nature of earthly life, inevitably leading to collapse. The apparent survival and "triumph" of this system are attributed to the near-infinite regenerative capacity of life itself and the human spirit, which can endure immense hardship.