The great speed-up of transactions creates a huge depression, or drop-out of human values. Radio did this in the 20’s and TV in the 60’s. When Henri Bergson was asked how could you tell if the speed of all things was doubled, he answered: “I could tell by the impoverishment of my consciousness.” What applies to the complex system of human awareness equally concerns the corporate life. The overall speed of transactions creates vast depression of body and spirit alike.
“Where It’s At, Where It’s Going,” unpublished 1969 essay, typescript, p 1
Year: 1969
Compiled by William Kuhns
© 2026, The Estate of Marshall McLuhan
© 2026, The Estate of Marshall McLuhan