Critical
V.A. Nageswaran: We diminish ourselves as humans when we mistake ourselves for machines
The article critiques viewing the human mind as a machine, calling it a dangerous technological projection that diminishes humanity. This metaphor fosters machine-like behaviors and erodes our unique capacities for feeling and consciousness. The author warns of self-harm, reducing us to processors, degrading meaningful work, and commodifying human practices. Our true essence, rooted in being alive and driven by self-continuation, fundamentally transcends computation. Resisting this metaphor is crucial for preserving genuine human identity and valuing authentic existence, not mechanistic ideals.
LiveMint · V. Anantha Nageswaran · Jul 6, 2026 at 8:31 AM