“Education makes machines which act like men and produces men who act like machines”
— Erich Fromm
Simplified Meaning:
When people go through the education system, sometimes it trains them to think and behave in very structured and predictable ways, much like how machines operate. For example, in some schools, students are taught to memorize information and follow strict routines without understanding the real-life relevance or developing critical thinking skills. This can make individuals act more like robots, simply following instructions rather than using creativity or personal judgment. On the other hand, advancements in technology and education also produce machines that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as robots doing complex surgeries or computers solving difficult problems. This creates a situation where machines are replacing some human roles because they can follow rules and patterns efficiently. To avoid becoming like machines, it's important for people to focus on learning that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Instead of just remembering facts, they should understand concepts and think independently. This way, education can help individuals grow into well-rounded, thoughtful, and innovative people, rather than just program them to perform routine tasks.