men have become tools of their tools

Have men become tools of their tools and what this statement mean? When I think about a tool, my first thoughts are about an object that has no mind of its own, a thing that is being used by a person. I think about the hammer, a tool used by a Blacksmith, a person with a mind who is wielding it and using it. But what exactly is a tool? (1a) a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task, (1b) a machine for shaping metal, (2a) something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession, (2b) an element of a computer program (as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function (2c) a means to an end, (3) one that is used or manipulated by another. [1] It is quite clear that these definitions do not fit with a man being a tool, with exception of two that is: "one that is used or manipulated by another" and "a means to an end". A man can be a tool if he is being used or manipulated by "another". Please note that the word "another" within the context of the definition can only be read as "another individual". However, when we talk about the definition "a means to an end", that distinction is less clear but still there as to be used as "a means to an end", implies that there must be a purpose or a goal. As the definition of "a means to an end" says: "something that you do because it will help you to achieve something else" [2]. An object has no goal and no predefined idea on what it wants to achieve, it can therefore not do something because it wants to achieve and therefore "a means to an end" can not be used as an argument in the context of a men (and individual) having become a tool (still being an individual) of their tools (in the context of inanimate objects). With the nitpicking out of the way, lets get into the real argument: "Have men become slaves of their tools". It is definitely true that the further we advance, the more reliant we have become on our technology but being reliant does not make one a slave. For example, we are not subjugated to our technology nor are in any sort of captivity to it as we do have a choice about how and to what extend we use it. We have the freedom to "turn off" our computers when we want to, to not use a car but go walking instead whenever we feel like it, and there is no law anywhere that demands of us that we "must" carry a mobile phone at all times. The fact that most of us do is by our own choice and the examples that I gave in my earlier argument shows that some of us have made that choice and are managing. We may be reliant but we can live without it. slavery, bondage, servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others. slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by a master: to be sold into slavery. bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor: in bondage to a cruel master. servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by law: penal servitude. [3] If anything, technology has set us free. It is enabling us to make more choices. Once upon a time, the best you could hope for was to read a good book, then we got radio and suddenly you had a choice between a book or music. And then we got Television and another choice was added followed by the VCR, the Compact Disk, the computer, Internet, online streaming, wikipedia, facebook and list goes on. There is a reason why people find it difficult to resist the urge for technology. The reason is that to take the technology away is to take the freedom away that the technology has brought us. Technologies have increased our capabilities. We have become more productive, more mobile, more informed, and more long-lived. Take it away, and making a meal becomes a full day's job again. You would have to cut wood, make fire without matches, cook on an open fire, wash the dishes in the local pond, knit your own socks, making your own shoes, etc etc. [1] http://www.merriam-webster.com...[2] http://dictionary.cambridge.org...[3] http://www.thefreedictionary.com...