Are Tools Taking Over?

Henry David Thoreau was a nineteenth-century American philosopher who could remind one in a few words about timeless and timely issues we face today in this world. His statement that “Men have become the tools of their tools” has many different layers of meaning. Although Thoreau was not a Catholic, his quote offer insights into how we, as people of faith, actually function in our society.

The essence of the quote that while tools are meant to simply carry out the task at hand, men have become tools. It is no longer each person consciously doing their work. It is the tools, whatever they may be, doing the work for us. Even though having the tools work for us may be more convenient, there are costs. For example, a quilt can easily be made by a machine. Yet, in doing so, this takes away the individual’s artistry, sense of accomplishment, offering up the work, and satisfaction at creating a piece of work from their own two hands.

David Henry Thoreau was a transcendentalist. This means he believed in spiritualism over the material world. In other words, he believed in “simple living in natural surroundings.” His book, Walden, was based upon this idea. He wrote about the de-emphasis on tools which could complicate simple living, emphasis on living simply, naturally, and self-sufficiency. From the book, Walden, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind”. Thus, knowing where Thoreau is coming from, we can better understand his quote.

According to Thoreau, “tools” can even diminish the quality of life. For instance, placing one’s trust in tools instead of God and the Catholic faith can lead to seeing or using the tool as an idol or crutch. Whatever one spends most of their time doing, that is their idol. If one’s life revolves around a tool, that can easily become an idol. It is simply unhealthy to live this way. It is not only unhealthy for the person’s soul, but for their minds and bodies as well. So, we must take David Henry Thoreau’s words to heart.

Another reason why being obsessed with tools diminishes the quality of life is because using certain tools too much, communication tools like a cell phone, for example, can lead to diminished interpersonal, in-person, relationships. Too much use of the tool can defeat the purpose of what it is meant for. For example, with a cellphone one has less or poorer communication with other human beings. Therefore, one needs to be careful and use tools in moderation.

For the last reason, putting too much emphasis on tools to give answers to problems can interfere with independent thinking and problem-solving. A person may not have confidence in his or her own abilities if he or she always needs a tool to assist them. Therefore, one can see by these examples, how important it is to use tools wisely if to use them at all.

One can see how Thoreau’s quote is still accurate in today’s world. All one needs to do is look around them. What can be found in the palm of everyone’s hand? A smartphone. To give a metaphor, the tool, a smartphone, makes a foolish man when the tool becomes an obsession. There are various apps one can get for different functions. As well as the obsession there is to log in to social media throughout the day. One can comment, post pictures, like, and subscribe, but is it really the person online doing all this? Or is it “the tool” which becomes our necessity?  Even when the smartphone breaks, one is left feeling empty and is tempted to buy the latest edition. This not only goes for smartphones but all technology.

Another form of a technological tool that can become addictive is the television. Television can broadcast the latest news and entertain us, but too much is harmful to us too. To paraphrase Michael O. Schroeder’s article, “9 Ways Watching TV is Bad for Your Health” too much television can be “unhealthy for maintaining ideal weight and quality sleep.”  He said it can even, “shorten our lives.” Therefore, we must keep a watchful eye on our intake of how much television we are receiving on a day-to-day basis. It is for this reason we must be careful with our use of technology and make sure our world does not revolve around it. With technology, it is all about instant gratification and if not used properly as the tool it is, it can make us lazy.

When one thinks of the quote, “Men have become the tools of their tools,” one can even be reminded how modern tools have taken away the social events we used to have. For example, a microwave is a tool to make quick meals instead of making homemade meals for the family. After creating a homemade meal, it is time to gather around the table together. There is also artistry that goes into meals made at home, that you do not have when you heat up food in the microwave.

Another example of how modern tools have taken away social events we used to have is modern gaming. With modern gaming, it is more isolating because one is staring at a computer or television screen. Furthermore, one is usually playing with strangers online. Unlike board games and card games, family and friends join together face to face. It is much more personal.

Overall, when one considers Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “Men have become the tools of their tools,” it becomes truly evident that this quote contains an abundance of wisdom. Knowing that having tools is not the simplest way of living and may not even be the best way of living is something to ponder. In the end, one should pause and take a breath every once in a while, and see in that moment if Thoreau’s quote rings true in their heart.