POLITICO Tech

Why the ‘religion’ of tech needs a reformation

17 snips
Oct 18, 2024
Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain for Harvard and MIT and author of "Tech Agnostic," probes the temple-like reverence many hold for technology. He argues that tech has morphed into a modern religion, fostering blind faith. Epstein discusses the ethical dilemmas created by tech companies, the parallels between technology and spirituality, and the urgent need for reformers to challenge harmful practices. He envisions a society where human dignity takes precedence over mere technological advancement.
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INSIGHT

Tech as the World's Dominant Religion

  • Technology now functions as the world's most powerful religion, influencing democracy deeply.
  • People unknowingly worship tech as a dominant force, requiring a reformation to reclaim humanity.
INSIGHT

Tech Leaders as Demigods

  • Tech billionaires often see themselves as demigods within the tech religion.
  • The true deity they build is AI, which transcends even these powerful figures.
ANECDOTE

Chaplain Meets Tech's Power

  • Epstein's role as humanist chaplain bridges secularism and spirituality at Harvard and MIT.
  • He discovered tech's massive influence when joining MIT, noting its aim to "build God."
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