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by apical_dendrite 148 days ago
One wonders if a German in 1600 would have cursed the invention of the printing press. The printing press accelerated the reformation, which led to over a century of bloody religious wars. Something like a third of the German population died as a result. From the perspective of 2025, the printing press was undoubtedly positive for humanity. But millions of people suffered.
2 comments

It is refreshing to hear someone mention that when discussing the printing press (however horrible it is). Most people only paint a rosy picture.
People are still engaging in religious wars. The printing press didn't change that.