By Jacques Ellul
Overview
Jacques Ellul’s The Technological System (1980) is a continuation of his seminal work The Technological Society (1954). In this book, Ellul expands on his theory of autonomous technology, emphasizing that technology does not evolve in isolation but as a system that perpetuates itself, expands without human control, and transforms every aspect of society.
Ellul argues that modern society is no longer driven by political ideologies, economics, or religious values, but rather by the logic of technology itself. He warns that humans have lost the ability to control or even fully understand the technological system they have created.
Key Themes & Insights
Technology as a Self-Perpetuating System
- Technology no longer consists of isolated inventions; instead, it has become a networked system in which each new development depends on others.
- Once a new technology is introduced, it requires the creation of supporting technologies, forming a self-expanding system that cannot be stopped.
- The system operates independently of human values—it progresses based on internal technical necessity, not ethical or social considerations.
“Technology follows its own logic, and society must adapt. We no longer choose technological progress; we are compelled to accept it.”
- Example: The invention of the smartphone led to the rise of mobile internet, social media, digital payment systems, AI-powered apps, and mass surveillance—all of which became necessary components of the technological system.
The Acceleration of Technological Progress
- The technological system moves at an exponential pace—each innovation speeds up the development of the next.
- Scientific discoveries no longer remain theoretical for long; they are rapidly converted into technology and integrated into society.
- Example: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) accelerate breakthroughs in automation, robotics, cybersecurity, and surveillance technologies.
“Science no longer exists for its own sake—it exists to serve technology, which must constantly advance.”
- Governments and corporations compete to adopt the latest technologies, leaving no room for ethical debates or social reflection.
The Illusion of Control: Humans No Longer Govern Technology
- Politicians, economists, and even scientists believe they control technology, but in reality, the technological system governs itself.
- Every new technology creates new needs, challenges, and dependencies, forcing societies to keep up—whether they want to or not.
- Example: The widespread adoption of automation and AI in industries eliminates jobs, forcing entire economies to restructure. Governments do not choose automation—it happens as an inevitable consequence of the technological system.
“The illusion of control is the most dangerous aspect of the technological system. We think we can manage it, but in truth, it dictates our direction.”
The Death of Ethical and Political Resistance
- Traditional institutions—governments, religions, cultures, and ethical systems—are powerless to resist technological momentum.
- Political ideologies such as capitalism and socialism no longer shape the world—technology does.
- Example: Mass surveillance and AI-driven censorship are adopted by all political systems, whether authoritarian (China) or democratic (United States), because they are essential for national security and economic competition.
“Political choices no longer determine technological development; instead, technological development determines political choices.”
The Integration of Technology into Human Life
- Unlike in the past, when technology was external to human life (e.g., tools, machines, factories), modern technology has merged with the human experience.
- People do not just use technology—they live within the technological system, relying on it for communication, work, health, and identity.
- Example: Smartphones, social media, digital banking, and AI assistants have become so embedded in daily life that it is almost impossible to function without them.
“The technological system has become the environment in which humanity exists. To reject technology is no longer a real option.”
Consequences of the Technological System
The Loss of Human Autonomy
- Humans are increasingly dependent on the technological system, making personal independence nearly impossible.
- Example: People who refuse to use digital banking, smartphones, or online communication find themselves excluded from society.
The Rise of Mass Surveillance & Control
- Technology enables unprecedented levels of surveillance, making privacy almost nonexistent.
- Governments and corporations can monitor and manipulate people’s behavior through AI, big data, and predictive analytics.
- Example: China’s social credit system tracks and ranks citizens’ behavior, determining their access to jobs, loans, and travel.
The Transformation of Work & Economy
- Automation and AI-driven technology eliminate traditional jobs, forcing people to adapt to an economy dominated by data and machines.
- Example: Many industries (transportation, manufacturing, customer service) are shifting to AI-driven automation, replacing human workers with self-learning machines.
The Standardization of Human Behavior
- Technology encourages conformity, as people are conditioned to behave in ways that align with digital systems.
- Example: Social media algorithms promote popular opinions, shaping political discourse and public perception.
“The individual is no longer free to act outside the technological system—the system defines the limits of human thought and action.”
Can Humanity Resist the Technological System?
Ellul is deeply pessimistic about the possibility of resisting or slowing down the technological system, but he offers some insights into how individuals might respond:
Awareness & Critical Thinking
- Understanding that technology is not neutral—it shapes society, politics, and even human psychology.
- Questioning whether all technological progress is actually beneficial.
Ethical & Human-Centered Technology
- Advocating for ethical AI, digital rights, and privacy protections to minimize the dehumanizing effects of technology.
Selective Use of Technology
- Instead of blindly accepting all new technology, individuals can choose to limit their dependence on digital systems.
- Example: Using cash instead of digital payments, relying on face-to-face interactions instead of social media, or avoiding AI-driven surveillance tools.
“We must not worship technology as an unstoppable force; we must critically evaluate what it is doing to our humanity.”
Final Thoughts: Why The Technological System Matters Today
Ellul’s The Technological System remains one of the most prophetic works on technology and society. His argument that technology has become a self-perpetuating, autonomous force beyond human control is evident in today’s world of AI, surveillance, automation, and digital dependency.
Key Takeaways:
- Technology is no longer a tool—it is an autonomous system that shapes society, politics, and human behavior.
- Progress happens automatically—governments, businesses, and individuals cannot stop or slow it down.
- Technology dictates political decisions, eroding democracy and individual autonomy.
- Humans are becoming completely integrated into the technological system, making resistance difficult.
- The only way to resist is through awareness, ethical debates, and selective use of technology.
Ellul warns that if humanity does not regain control over the technological system, it risks losing its freedom, privacy, and even its ability to think independently. His work is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of technology, democracy, and human autonomy.
