man-and-the-machine

[OedipusReD]

probably the stupidest question i've had to ask, but what exactly does it mean
like, man and the machine in the sense that the individual is controlled by society? i'm confused

[starrwriter]

probably the stupidest question i've had to ask, but what exactly does it mean like, man and the machine in the sense that the individual is controlled by society? i'm confused
Man and the machine could refer to one of two things:

(1)The factory worker's position in mass-production industry, where he is subservient to the machines he operates. In America's robber baron era one industrial tycoon said he treated his workers like machines: "When they get old or break down, I throw them away."

(2)Society itself functioning like a machine at the expense of the individual. In Hindu philosophy this was called a juggernaut -- a religious symbol of "a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way."

[OedipusReD]

kk, thank you, in my case i'm looking at the 2nd definition, helps a bunch, thanks !