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So efficient are the available instruments of slavery; fingerprints, lie detectors, brain washings, gas chambers; that we shiver at the thought of political change which might put these instruments in the hands of men of hate.
Bernard Baruch
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the dangers of powerful tools used for oppression and the fear of such tools falling into the wrong hands.

Bernard Baruch's quote addresses the alarming efficiency of various tools used to enforce slavery and control, such as fingerprints, lie detectors, and other methods of coercion. The underlying message is a cautionary one, emphasizing the potential consequences of political change that could result in these powerful instruments being utilized by those who harbor malicious intent. It serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibility that comes with such technologies in the context of governance and societal structure.

Themes

SlaveryPolitical ChangePowerInstrumentsHate

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the ethical implications of surveillance technologies.

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