Today, we no longer approach our many machines with awe; in fact, the more personalized and individualized our machines have become, the less humility we feel in using them . . .  Rather than awe-inspiring symbols of man’s power, they are merely extensions of ourselves, like the cell phone that helps us communicate or the microwave that speeds the cooking of our dinner. They are servants of our whims rather than objects of reverence.

In light of my posts the past few days and because Christine Rosen consistently offers thought provoking analysis take a look at Awe and the Machine at In Character, A Journal of Everyday Virtues.