"Technological change is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal."
Albert Einstein
I selected this quote because I believe there is a great impact behind the symbolism of associating "technological change" with a deadly weapon like an "axe." But what really adds to the power of this quote is the person who is welding of the axe. This is not a hunter or a woodsman or even a schoolboy, this is a "pathological criminal."
According to the Encarta Dictionary, anything "pathological" is uncontrollable or unreasonable, and relates to or arises from a disease. It is a constant sickness similar to an infection slowly eating away at its host or victim.
Today, technology slowly chips away at the aspect of nature and simplicity that was once revered and appreciated by people and artists alike. Daily wonders such a blue skies or trees in bloom are ignored in exchange for iPods, texting, and blue-tooth headsets. Technological innovation is hacking up nature around us and like a "pathological" action, it doesn't show any sign of stopping soon.
For this quote, the choice of utilizing a weapon as deadly as an "axe" in the hands of a "diseased criminal" practically reflects technology as a modern day plague.
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