One day some as yet unborn scholar will recognize in the clock the machine that has tamed the wilds

One day some as yet unborn scholar will recognize in the clock the machine that has tamed the wilds

In the quote “One day some as yet unborn scholar will recognize in the clock the machine that has tamed the wilds,” J.M. Coetzee seems to be reflecting on the impact of technology on society and the natural world. Coetzee, a South African writer known for his thought-provoking and often controversial works, often delves into themes of power, control, and the human condition. In this quote, he appears to be suggesting that the clock, a symbol of human ingenuity and progress, has played a significant role in shaping the world as we know it.

The idea of the clock as a machine that has “tamed the wilds” is a fascinating one. In many ways, the clock represents the triumph of human civilization over the chaos and unpredictability of nature. With the invention of the clock, humans were able to measure and control time in a way that was previously impossible. This allowed for the organization of society, the coordination of labor, and the development of complex systems of governance and commerce. In this sense, the clock can be seen as a tool that has helped to bring order to the world and tame the untamed forces of nature.

However, Coetzee’s use of the word “wilds” in this quote suggests that there may be a darker side to this process of taming. The idea of the wilds evokes images of untamed wilderness, of nature in its raw and unspoiled state. By taming the wilds, the clock has not only brought order and control to the world, but it has also imposed a kind of artificiality and constraint on the natural world. In our quest to measure and control time, we have perhaps lost touch with the rhythms and cycles of nature, and in doing so, we have disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Overall, Coetzee’s quote is a thought-provoking meditation on the impact of technology on society and the natural world. It raises important questions about the ways in which human progress and innovation have shaped the world around us, and the potential consequences of our relentless drive to tame and control the forces of nature. It is a reminder that while technology has brought many benefits, it has also come at a cost, and that we must be mindful of the ways in which our actions affect the world around us.