War vies with magic in it's efforts to get something for nothing

War vies with magic in it's efforts to get something for nothing

In the realm of Lewis Mumford's writings on technology, urban planning, and society, the concept of war vying with magic in its efforts to get something for nothing holds particular significance. Mumford was a prolific writer and thinker who explored the impact of technology on human civilization, and his insights into the relationship between war, magic, and the pursuit of power are particularly relevant in today's world.

Mumford believed that war and magic were two sides of the same coin, both driven by a desire to control and dominate others. War, with its violence and destruction, seeks to achieve power through force and coercion, while magic, with its illusions and deceptions, seeks to achieve power through manipulation and trickery. Both war and magic are ultimately about getting something for nothing – gaining power and influence without having to earn it through hard work or cooperation.

In Mumford's view, technology played a central role in the perpetuation of war and magic, providing the tools and techniques that enabled individuals and societies to exert control over others. The development of weapons of war, such as guns and bombs, allowed for the destruction of enemies from a distance, while the development of communication technologies, such as radio and television, allowed for the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation on a mass scale.

Mumford also saw technology as a form of magic, capable of creating illusions and manipulating reality in ways that were both awe-inspiring and dangerous. The rise of mass media and advertising, for example, allowed for the creation of artificial desires and the manipulation of public opinion, while the development of surveillance technologies and data mining allowed for the monitoring and control of individuals on an unprecedented scale.