Persons grouped around a fire or candle for warmth or light are less able to pursue independent thoughts, or even tasks, than people supplied with electric light. In the same way, the social and educational patterns latent in automation are those of self-employment and artistic autonomy.

Summary

This quote suggests that when people rely on primitive sources of warmth or light, such as a fire or candle, they are limited in their ability to think independently or focus on tasks. On the other hand, with the availability of electric light, people have more freedom to pursue their own thoughts and activities. Similarly, the quote suggests that automation is shaping social and educational patterns towards self-employment and artistic autonomy, implying that technology allows individuals to have more control over their work and creative pursuits.

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