“A man of courage never needs weapons, but he may need bail.”
- Lewis Mumford, American historian, sociologist, philosopher of technology, and author
🧠 Who is Lewis Mumford?
- Lived: Born in 1895, passed away in 1990 (age at death: 94)
- Known as: Historian, sociologist, philosopher of technology, and author
- Famous for:
- Writing extensively on the impact of technology and urban life on human beings
- Advocating for a more harmonious relationship between technology and society
- Critiquing modern industrialization and its effects on social structures, human behavior, and the environment
- Contributions:
- Author of several books, including The City in History and Technics and Civilization
- Pioneered the field of human ecology, studying how human society interacts with the natural and technological world
- Promoted the idea of "biotechnics," emphasizing the importance of human-centered technology
The quote highlights Mumford's belief in the complex relationship between courage, society, and the consequences of bold actions.
It suggests that true courage often comes with unpredictable risks, such as the need for legal protection.
In other words:
- Courageous actions may be noble, but they can also lead to consequences that require a different kind of strength and support.
- Standing up for what one believes in can be both an act of integrity and an invitation to challenge the system, potentially leading to legal or societal complications.
Mumford’s insight reminds us that real courage is not about avoiding conflict, but about facing the unexpected consequences of taking a stand, knowing that it can sometimes lead to complex challenges in a modern world full of systems of control.