The car as we know it is on the way out. To a large extent, I deplore its passing, for as a basically old-fashioned machine, it enshrines a basically old-fashioned idea: freedom. In terms of pollution, noise and human life, the price of that freedom may be high, but perhaps the car, by the very muddle and confusion it causes, may be holding back the remorseless spread of the regimented, electronic society.

Summary

This quote suggests that while the speaker is saddened by the evolving nature of automobiles, they recognize that the car symbolizes the concept of freedom. Despite its negative impacts on pollution, noise, and safety, the car's existence may actually curb the advancement of a strictly regulated and technologically driven society. The idea being that the chaos and unpredictability associated with cars hinder the progress of a more rigid, controlled world.

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