Bleu Rively

Padgett
Blog Post 7
October 26 2016
When Carr uses this quote, he is referring to the coming age of technology replacing people in
the workplace. Many argue that this new generation of automation is liberating the worker,
freeing them to do greater things. Carr acknowledges that there are also hardships to the robot
revolution, as it is called by Peter Thiel. The influx of automated systems has led to an
increase in job loss because the human labor is not needed if the computer can do the same job to
a similar or higher standard. This quote asserts a cold detachment to labor systems that have
made automation a large part of their labor. Carr also references the fact that this idea of a new
age closer to a Utopian like labor system is misguided. He argues that we have to shift our
view of progress, putting the emphasis on social and personal flourishing rather than
technological advancement.
Carr puts great value on hard work. He believes that hard work helps one to understand deeper
meaning within their consciousness. He argues that we have a practical sight but also an
internal purpose. He uses an example of mowing the lawn. This idea of intrinsic value is summed
up perfectly by The mowing, not the hay, is what matters most. Carr also introduces many
labor ideas of Robert Frost. Frost believes that work puts us in our place, meaning that it binds
us to the Earth, strongly connecting us to our own existence. Carr also puts great value on the
hand held nature of work. He strongly believes that the bond between worker and tool is

weaker with automation because it asks so little of us. Carr believes that automation makes us
feel less obligated to take pride in or justify our work.