There's little doubt in my mind that the Industrial Revolution had a greater impact on human culture than any other event in history, except perhaps the discovery of fire. The question is, do you think we're better off as a result, or worse? Please explain your answer.

I chose not to vote because I think there should be another option, such as "To Be Determined".
I think the industrial revolution could be the best thing to happen to humanity, if it doesn't result in our destruction. So, in my opinion, there still isn't enough evidence to reach a conclusion yet.

"I have no opinion" wasn't vague enough for you? :scratch:

All I know is that the invention of cell phones is one of the worst things ever to happen humanity. Without question.

All I know is that the invention of cell phones is one of the worst things ever to happen humanity. Without question.

I don't know, informercials are right up there. :p

This is a serious question. And I think the answer you give has a seriously broad impact on your view of the world.

Let's break it down. There are advantages and disadvantages to the medieval lifestyle when compared to modern lifestyle.

Advantage: close-knit communities
Disadvantage: stake-burnings
If you wanted to go anywhere, your choices were walking or riding a horse. Many people couldn't even afford a horse, so the only choice they had was walking. This forced people to get to know their neighbors, because those were the only people they saw. This has the advantage of creating the ideal close-knit communities that so many people today wish we had. The disadvantage of this was that the church was the community center, and the priest was the community leader. And if you pissed him off, he could burn you at the stake for witchcraft.

Advantage: fewer people, more open space
Disadvantage: malaria
Unfortunately, the reason there were fewer people was because lots of people died from causes that can be prevented today, like malaria and starvation.

Advantage: no pollution
Disadvantage: poop in the streets
There were no chemical plants, or refineries, or steel mills, or anything that could create pollution. There were also no public sewer systems, so everybody just dumped their feces and urine into the streets, which were all dirt roads.

I could go on...

I think I'd classify poop in the streets as pollution.

but it's biodegradable, and it's not one of those evil chemicals that everyone is sure are killing us.

I think methane is one of those evil chemicals everyone is sure is killing us. ;)

I get what you mean, and, kidding aside, I think the Industrial Revolution was an inevitable part of our evolutionary process as humans, (and, since I'm in love with hot baths, I think I would give it a thumbs up.)

We're curious and inventive by nature......we want to build a better mouse-trap.

I think it's a mixed bag, with a lot of things, it's made life easier, like basic necessities. But there are some things that suffer. For me, personally, the industrial revolution changed the face of brewing, putting it wholly in the hands of men, with little exception. Before that, brewing was mostly done at home on the farm by women. So, I guess the jury's out for me yet...

machinery makes good in the world

machinery makes good in the world


Sure does, it replaces the low-wage poor worker so that we Americans can export all the illegal immigrants back to their country of origin ... cause the machines will do "the work that Americans won't".

Support Automation; Oppose Illegal Immigration !

In some ways yes and in others no.

Our lives are longer and we have more goods and services. But society is less kind than in the past. In pre-industrial societys today families are stronger and traditions are kept alive.

Its kind of a toss up I guess. :hmm:

but it's biodegradable, and it's not one of those evil chemicals that everyone is sure are killing us.

But it polluted fresh water and spread disease.

I think there have been plenty of things that are "better" than the revolution, and plenty that are "worse".

But society is less kind than in the past. In pre-industrial societys today families are stronger and traditions are kept alive.


There's no way to know that. It wouldn't surprise me a bit to learn that rape is ten times more common in pre-industrial societies, because there is no accountability in law enforcement. But we don't know, because crime doesn't get reported when the police aren't doing their jobs effectively.

Consider the industrial revolution as you might a useful tool.
It can be used for good, for bad or just for amusement. Depends entirely on the user and whether a conscience is applied.
I'm certain the I.R. will be considered a good thing assuming we...
1) Preserve our resources (yes, the environment) for perpetual use.
2) Don't destroy ourselves with all the wonderful war toys we invent.
3) Allow psychology and other "soft sciences" to catch up. The I.R. is at least 170 years old, but sociology and psychology are only a bit over 100 years old. -Primitive, and barely effective at this point.