#3710
Mentioned in 8 episodes

Tools for Conviviality

Book • 1973
Ivan Illich's "Tools for Conviviality" is a critical examination of industrial society's impact on human life.

Illich argues that modern technologies, while offering efficiency, often lead to dependence and a loss of control.

He challenges the notion of progress as solely technological advancement, emphasizing the importance of human scale and self-determination.

The book explores the ways in which industrialization has shaped various aspects of life, from work and education to healthcare and transportation, highlighting the negative consequences of these systems.

Illich's work serves as a call for a more human-centered approach to technology and social organization, advocating for conviviality as a guiding principle for a more just and sustainable society.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Recommended by
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Steph Ango
as a book that explains the problems of big tech and the software ecosystem.
479 snips
8: Steph Ango - Tools for Amplifying Our Light
Mentioned by
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Dan McQuillan
as a key text with ideas that are useful when trying to push back.
40 snips
Decomputing For a Better Future w/ Dan McQuillan
Mentioned by
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Andrew Sage
, referencing how modern transport and urban design have been used to alienate people from their own bodies and communities.
19 snips
Infrastructure as Control feat. Andrew
Recommended by
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Mark Hurst
, it suggests new ways to think about and develop technology for good societal outcomes.
18 snips
Duncan Moench on "soylent screens" and producerism from Jul 14, 2025
Mentioned by Jeff Bilbro in relation to his book's title and central metaphor.
Words for Conviviality, with Jeffrey Bilbro
Mentioned by
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Richard Smith
as a major influence, whose work galvanized him.
Conviviality and TV doctors, polar bear tales, and Christmas research
Recommended by Alan Jacobs and discussed by
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L.M. Sacasas
for its exploration of technology and institutions.
#6. L.M. Sacasas on Ivan Illich, Technopoly, and Human Flourishing
Mentioned by
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Pete Davis
as a work exploring the impact of technology on society.
#4. Ivan Illich (ft. David Cayley)
Mentioned by
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L.M. Sacasas
as one of the classic books by Ivan Illich that came out of the 70s.
S3 Ep. 8 L. M. Sacasas – Building a convivial society: autonomy, tools, scale and capabilities
Mentioned by
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Andrew Sage
as an author he goes back to often for his critiques of infrastructure's control.
It Could Happen Here Weekly 195

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