Chapter 1 of 8 · Ouroboros or the Mechanical Extension of Mankind by Garet Garrett

Front Matter

By E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY

Digital Edition by the Ludwig von Mises Institute 2012

eISBN: 9781610165709

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Ouroboros was a fabulous snake, the encircling serpent, that swallowed its own tail. It represented an infantile thought of the human mind for wish fulfilment by magical means. Man’s heroic business was to conquer the reptile. As he did this he seized the object he most desired. He might even wish himself into solid gold.

I. The Quest Since Adam

II. The Machine As If

III. The Law of Machines

IV. Who Mind Them or Starve

V. The Paradox of Surplus

VI. In Peril of Trade

VII. Dim Vistas New