Can Tolkien’s Middle-earth teach us how to handle modern technology?
In short: From genetic modification to advanced weaponry, science possesses a dual capacity to heal or destroy. Professor Alister McGrath explores how the literary landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien reflect deep-seated anxieties about whether technological progress inevitably leads to the desolation of the natural world.
In his lecture for Gresham College, Professor Alister McGrath examines the ethical tension between using science to improve human life and using it for destruction. He draws heavily on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), whose experiences with the technology of warfare during the First World War profoundly shaped his writing. Tolkien’s narratives, specifically The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, serve as frameworks for contemplating the limits of human intervention in nature.
The distinction lies in the intent and scale of technology. McGrath notes that the Hobbits represent a simpler way of life, utilizing modest tools designed for digging, harvesting, and food preparation—technologies that enhance wellbeing while remaining close to nature. In contrast, the character Saruman utilizes technology to develop weapons and exert control. This mirrors the darker side of scientific advancement, where tools are repurposed for oppression and the destruction of others.
The environmental impact of industry provides a literal landscape for these fears. The land of Mordor, meaning 'Dark Land' in the Elvish Sindarin language, may reflect the 'Black Country' of England—an industrialized wasteland. This connection is supported by the history of the Midlands, where the Industrial Revolution transformed verdant landscapes into desolate scenes. Such themes of environmental degradation are echoed in modern literature, such as Caitlin Moran’s 2014 novel, which depicts reflections on the transformation of northern England into toxic industrial brownsites.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Respecting and Transcending Nature - Professor Alister McGrath
- Also: Respecting and Transcending Nature
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