Computers seem a little too adaptively flexible, like the strange natives, odd societies, and head cases we study in the social sciences. There's more opposable thumb in the digital world than I care for; it's awfully close to human.

In this quote, P. J. O'Rourke offers a critical reflection on the growing capabilities of computers and their increasing resemblance to human behavior. He compares computers to strange natives, odd societies, and head cases that social scientists study, suggesting that their flexibility and adaptability make them feel unnatural or unsettling. O'Rourke implies that the more computers evolve to resemble human behavior, the more he feels they begin to encroach on the human experience, making their actions seem almost too human for comfort.

O'Rourke’s use of the phrase "more opposable thumb in the digital world than I care for" refers to the human capacity for dexterity and manipulation, a trait often associated with being distinctly human. By saying it’s "awfully close to human," he expresses his discomfort with the increasing intelligence and autonomy of computers, which seem to be gaining more human-like traits. His remark highlights a fear that technology is becoming too advanced, pushing the boundaries between human and machine.

The origin of this quote is rooted in O'Rourke’s satirical and often skeptical view of modern technology and its social implications. Known for his witty commentary on politics, culture, and society, O'Rourke uses humor and irony to critique the rise of digital technology and its growing presence in daily life. He often examines the intersection of technology and human nature, and in this quote, he reveals his unease about the increasing sophistication of computers.

Ultimately, O'Rourke’s quote is a commentary on how computers and technology have evolved to mimic human traits, which raises questions about their role in society. His unease about the human-like qualities of machines reflects a broader concern about the potential loss of distinction between humans and machines, warning that we may be venturing into a world where the lines between the two become dangerously blurred.