[for the previous post]

The lens through which the present problem of technology is framed is itself an illustration of a much grander dilemma running through much recent world history: the desire for progress, for positive societal change and adaptation, is forever opposed by the weight of history, and from a strictly empirical perspective, we lack purely historical examples of the type of society we so fervently wish to create; at least, we lack examples that spring readily to mind in the public consciousness, save what many take to be well-intentioned yet somewhat vague sentiments about respect, compassion, mindfulness, tolerance or diversity. 

The situation reminds one of nothing so much as William Blake's famous maxim: 

"What seems to be, is, to those to whom it seems to be, and is productive of the most dreadful consequences to those to whom it seems to be, even of torments, despair, eternal death..."