Luddites

Cultural  

1. Opponents of the introduction of labor-saving machinery. The original Luddites, followers of a legendary Ned Ludd, were British laborers of the early nineteenth century who smashed textile-making machines that threatened their jobs.

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Contemporary opponents of technological change are sometimes called “Luddites.”

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Luddites

Because we all know what that means: In history written by the victors, the Luddites impeded technological progress, attempted to halt innovation, and were soundly defeated by the Industrial Revolution.

From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026

Quanta isn’t just an AI play and even Luddites can like the stock.

From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026

Neither technologists nor Luddites, these leaders share a taste for challenging the status quo and a resolute determination to fix something that matters—and are willing to learn whatever is necessary to do it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

What’s more, it’s a way to engage in a kind of history that points toward a different kind of world, without being accused of being Luddites or becoming toxic nostalgics.

From Slate ● Feb. 21, 2025

The combinations in Nottinghamshire, of persons under the name of Luddites, drove a great number of lace frames from that district, and caused establishments to be formed in Devonshire.

From On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures by Charles Babbage