The Troubling Influence of Machines on Contemporary Society: Insights Inspired by Bernanos

In his essay “France Against the Robots” published in 1947, Georges Bernanos offered a profound analysis of the increasing impact of machines on society. More than just a critique of technology, Bernanos highlighted the profound implications of this mechanical revolution on the very nature of humanity.

Bernanos suggested that the widespread invasion of machines into our lives could radically transform the essence of modern Frenchmen. Comparing contemporary Frenchmen with those of ancient times, Bernanos shed light on the unprecedented changes induced by the predominance of machinery. He thus questioned whether this technological omnipresence truly rendered men more insipid.

Filmmaker Charlie Chaplin had already raised this question in his film “Modern Times” denouncing the absurdity and dehumanization of assembly-line work. Yet, from a strictly productive standpoint, such work was praised. Today, our dependence on smartphones and compulsive consumption of information foreshadow a decline in concentration and intelligence.

Bernanos, aware of these dangers, warned against the endless multiplication of machines, gradually replacing humans in various aspects of daily life. He thus distinguished between the tool, like a hammer, extending the hand of man, and the machine, like a sewing machine, replacing human creativity.

In our contemporary world, we have become indispensable to our phones, hard drives, and the internet. Almost every aspect of life, from politics to economics, is now governed by the smooth functioning of machines. However, for Bernanos, the real problem lies in the uncontrolled proliferation of these machines, generating new needs that can only be satisfied by other machines.

Bernanos envisioned a totalitarian society where machines dictate our existence, a vision that seems increasingly plausible with the advent of artificial intelligence. This dystopia, where machines control every aspect of our lives, would make past totalitarian regimes seem like mere vacation resorts.

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Yet, Bernanos did not merely criticize technology. He also recognized the need to distinguish between tools and machines, emphasizing that the latter tend to replace humans rather than strengthen them.

Furthermore, Bernanos was an author whose ideas transcended traditional political divides. Although he was right-wing, his anti-capitalist discourse and commitment to traditional values found resonance with some circles on the left. He criticized capitalist modernity, denouncing its impact on society and culture.

Today, anti-capitalism has become a prominent characteristic of political leftism. However, Bernanos reminds us that this critique is not the exclusive prerogative of the left. Many right-wing thinkers also share a critical view of capitalism, while valuing tradition and spirituality.

Ultimately, Bernanos’s work still resonates relevance today, urging us to reflect on our relationship with technology and our economic model. As we enter an era where machines may eventually rival humans, Bernanos’s warnings resonate as a call for vigilance and reflection.