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Brave new world: How an obsession with tech-enabled efficiency could turn us into zombies

The author critically argues that technology's relentless pursuit of efficiency erodes human connection, agency, and life's "soul." Citing driverless cars replacing London's black cabs and the decline of high street shops, the piece laments the loss of invaluable human interaction. It contends that prioritizing speed and automation over genuine experience leads to soulless living, economic inequality, and societal conflict. The author advocates for embracing "luddism" to resist technologies that disempower humanity, stressing the importance of human choice, purpose, and imperfections over mere technological advancement.

LiveMint · V. Anantha Nageswaran · Aug 17, 2026 at 8:31 AM

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