Technology Craze: Deterioration in Machine Man Madison Craven College

Henry David Thoreau, a leading philosopher of the 19th century, stated that "Men have become the tools of their tools." Machine Man, written by Max Barry, holds true to this quote. In this fiction novel, scientist Charles Neumann surrounds his entire life based on mechanical parts for which he switches out his biological parts. Up until nearly the end of the novel, Charles can be referred to as a cyborg, meaning he relies on these mechanical parts to extend his physical capabilities. He loses his morality for biology increasingly, as he allows mechanical parts to take over his entire body. Although technology continues advancing and is becoming more resourceful, it can have damaging effects. In Charles Neumann's case, the use of technology is detrimental to his overall health.

First, using technology negatively impacts Charles' mental health. Machine Man immediately begins with Charles criticizing robots as a child. For example, he claims "Instead of doing one thing right, they [robots] did everything badly" (Barry 3). As early as the first page, readers pick up on the fact that Charles has a hunch for improving machinery. Later, in his adult life, Charles becomes a scientist, and he works for an engineering company called...