The Age-Old Urge to Destroy Technology

Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 10:00 am

The Enduring Human Resistance to Technology

A new book, "Techno-Negative" by Thomas Dekeyser, explores the historical and philosophical roots of resistance to technology. The book examines the long-standing human tendency to question, reject, and even sabotage technological advancements, even those that have become integral to daily life.

Dekeyser's work traces this "techno-negative" attitude through history, examining how individuals and societies have grappled with the implications of new technologies. The book is organized into three sections: state policies regulating technology, individual acts of sabotage, and attempts to escape a technologically driven society.

The book highlights examples from antiquity, where technology was often demonized, and the medieval period, where the Catholic Church associated technology with sin. As industrial capitalism emerged, technology became a tool of the state, leading to a shift in attitudes. The labor movement, for example, fought against both the displacement of workers by machines and the dehumanization of workers within technological systems.

"Techno-Negative" also explores instances of resistance, such as the early-nineteenth-century African king who declined technological gifts from the British. The book suggests that the desire to opt out of technology and its narrative of progress is not a new phenomenon.

While the book doesn't offer a practical guide to resisting technology, it provides historical context and inspiration for those who question the dominance of modern technologies. The book concludes with a call for "techno-abolitionism," aiming to reshape the character of technological change rather than simply halting it.

BNN's Perspective:

While the book's historical analysis is compelling, it's important to acknowledge the undeniable benefits technology provides. A balanced approach is crucial. We must critically assess technological advancements, considering their potential downsides, while also recognizing their capacity to improve lives and drive progress.

Keywords: technology, techno-negative, Thomas Dekeyser, resistance, history, abolitionism, industrial capitalism, labor movement, anti-technology, societal impact, technological change

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