In “Darwin Among the Machines,” Samuel Butler criticized 19th-century technology for subjugating humanity, advocating for the destruction of machines. His views foreshadow a dilemma relevant today: as nations compete in technology, particularly AI and biotechnology, they face a choice between advancing for security or preserving humanity. This “technological security dilemma” suggests that competitive pressures compel nations to embrace potentially harmful technologies, risking societal wellbeing to avoid falling behind rivals like China.
Historical military theories illustrate this competition’s cyclical nature, where defensive measures can provoke arms races. As countries escalate technological advancement, the negative consequences—ranging from job loss to social fragmentation—arise. Even acknowledgments of these risks do not halt progress due to geopolitical imperatives. Ultimately, both technological advancement and its fallout raise the crucial question: Can nations secure their future without sacrificing core human values in a relentless race for dominance? The potential for a dystopian future looms if societies fail to navigate these choices wisely.
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