Regardless of the stand one takes, the wisdom of the old man's vision regarding the pervasive influence of machines remains beyond dispute. The use of machines has radically transformed the nature of productive activity and has left its mark on the imagination, thoughts, and feelings of humans throughout the ages. Scientists have produced mechanistic interpretations of the natural world, and philosophers and psychologists have articulated mechanistic theories of human mind and behavior. Increasingly, we have learned to use the machine as a metaphor for ourselves and our society and to mold our world in accordance with mechanical principles.