I think the way to deal with this issue is to continue to use machines, but to try to understand them.
We built them, and we know they don't protest or feel pain, or even think, but at the same time, I think it makes sense to treat things respectfully.
It'd be like roughly breaking branches off a living tree, just for fun, or even breaking a giant boulder for no good reason.
It's just an act of destruction or cruelty that doesn't really need to happen, even if we can still use trees to build things, or mine into rock for useful materials. The actual use of machines shouldn't be discouraged.
It's normal to use employees or other tools to get work done.
But just as an employer should treat an employee well, or a parent should treat a child well, or a farmer shouldn't abuse the farm animals beyond what's necessary for farming, the owner of a machine should treat the machine well.
I agree. Understanding for example that what makes a forklift robot "happy" is fulfilling the function it's designed to with minimal interruptions or other problems and being kept in good working order.
Having respect for tools, your car or any other machine is wisdom that predates the industrial revolution. You have to take care of it if you want it to take care of you.
Well said.
You too, this is a solid ass article. But coming from you that doesn't surprise me.