I don't know where anyone ever got the idea that technology, in and of itself, was a savior. Like all human-created 'progress,' computers are problematic, giving and taking away.

Ellen Ullman’s quote challenges the common belief that technology is inherently a savior or solution to human problems. Ullman suggests that technology, particularly computers, is often seen as a panacea, a quick fix for many of society's issues. This perspective can be misleading because it overlooks the complexities and unintended consequences that arise when humans create and rely on technological innovations.

The idea of progress—especially when it comes to technology—often carries the assumption that new developments are always positive and lead to improvement. However, Ullman points out that like all human-created progress, computers are not just instruments of convenience or betterment. They can bring about both benefits and difficulties, suggesting that technology is a double-edged sword. In fact, the impact of technology depends on how it’s used and who controls it.

The quote reflects a skepticism about the romanticization of technological advancement. Ullman seems to argue that placing too much faith in technology as a savior ignores the social, ethical, and human consequences of its rapid growth. Just as technology can solve problems, it can also create new ones, thus requiring critical reflection and responsibility in its application.