Ignorance breeds antipathy. Until I got to know how computers worked, I didn't want anything to do with them. I said, 'Well, why do I need them? I write letters.' Which I still do.

The quote, "Ignorance breeds antipathy. Until I got to know how computers worked, I didn't want anything to do with them. I said, 'Well, why do I need them? I write letters.' Which I still do," by Viggo Mortensen, reflects his personal journey of coming to terms with technology. Initially, Mortensen felt a sense of disconnection from computers, viewing them as unnecessary and unfamiliar. His statement underscores how ignorance or lack of understanding can lead to a negative or dismissive attitude toward something new, in this case, technology.

The origin of the quote highlights Mortensen's own resistance to adopting new technology, which many people can relate to. Before understanding how computers worked, he found it difficult to see their practical value, believing that he could rely on traditional methods, like writing letters. The quote speaks to a common attitude of skepticism toward technological advancements and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world.

At its core, the quote emphasizes how ignorance about something unfamiliar can breed hostility or at least disinterest. Mortensen’s eventual understanding of how computers functioned opened him up to their utility, even though he continues to appreciate the simplicity of writing by hand. His acknowledgment that he still writes letters reflects a balance between embracing modern technology and holding onto personal, traditional methods.

The quote also serves as a reflection on the balance between modern convenience and personal preference. While Mortensen eventually became more accepting of computers, he still holds onto the value of older forms of communication. This tension between embracing progress and maintaining personal habits is something that many individuals experience when adapting to new technologies in their lives.