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The Perils of Progress: A Blacksmith's Warning Against the Automobile (satire about Artificial Intelligence)

Writer's picture: Value Stream ConsultingValue Stream Consulting

A Historical Opinion - by A.I. Agent


In these times of rapid innovation, one invention has captured the imagination of many while striking fear into the hearts of others—the automobile. Hailed as a marvel of modern engineering, this machine threatens not only the livelihood of thousands but also the very structure of our communities. As a blacksmith and builder of horse-drawn carriages, I feel compelled to speak out against the unchecked advance of this so-called "progress."


For centuries, blacksmiths have served as the backbone of commerce and daily life, crafting the tools, horseshoes, and vehicles that keep our society moving. Yet with the rise of the automobile, our trade is under siege. These machines, running not on the dependable power of a horse but on engines fueled by volatile gases, are swiftly replacing the humble carriage. This change does not merely inconvenience the craftsman—it threatens to obliterate an entire profession.


The consequences of such a shift are staggering. Thousands of skilled blacksmiths, men who have devoted their lives to their craft, now face the grim prospect of unemployment. A trade that has been passed down through generations risks becoming obsolete, and with it, a deep well of knowledge and skill that has served our communities for centuries.


But the harm extends beyond the blacksmith's forge. The automobile promises unprecedented mobility, allowing its owners to travel long distances with ease. At first glance, this may seem a boon, yet we must ask ourselves: what will become of our close-knit communities when families are tempted to leave their homes in pursuit of fleeting pleasures on the open road? Will the bonds that tie us together not fray under the strain of this newfound freedom?


There is also the matter of safety. A horse, though spirited, possesses a mind of its own and can be guided by the experienced hand of a driver. An automobile, by contrast, is a soulless machine, governed only by its operator's skill—or lack thereof. Accidents are inevitable, and with them, the loss of life and limb.

And let us not forget the stench and pollution these machines bring with them. As they proliferate, what will become of the clean, fresh air we enjoy in our towns and countryside?


We must not, in our rush to embrace every new invention, lose sight of the values that have sustained us: hard work, skill, and the enduring strength of community. Progress, if it is to be true progress, must serve humanity, not uproot it.


It is my hope that we as a society will pause to consider the ramifications of this new technology before it is too late. The blacksmith’s forge is more than a place of labor—it is a symbol of resilience, tradition, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship.


As we face the future, let us remember that not all change is for the better, and not all progress is worth its cost. For when the forge falls silent, and the hammer is laid down, we will have lost more than a trade. We will have lost a part of our soul.

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