To some people, there is no noise on earth as exciting as the sound of three or four big jet engines rising in pitch, as the plane they are sitting in swivels at the end of the runway and, straining against its brakes, prepares for takeoff. The very danger in the situation is inseparable from the exhilaration it yields. You are strapped into your seat now, there is no way back, you have delivered yourself into the power of modern technology. You might as well lie back and enjoy it.
This passage vividly captures the thrill and a sense of surrender that accompany the act of flying, especially in a high-performance jet. The author touches on a universal human fascination with speed, danger, and technological progress, highlighting how modern advancements often blur the line between risk and exhilaration. The sound of jet engines rising in pitch symbolizes the crescendo of anticipation, a moment where adrenaline surges and awareness peaks. The description of being strapped into the seat, with no way to retreat, underscores a relinquishing of control—a theme that resonates deeply with our relationship to technology and progress. There's an element of awe intertwined with a certain acceptance of danger, suggesting that for many, modern technology offers a form of liberation or heightened experience that is worth the inherent risks. This reflection provokes thoughts about how contemporary society often seeks thrill and excitement through technological means—be it in extreme sports, space explorations, or adventurous pursuits—embracing danger as part of the allure. It also raises questions about dependence on modern technology and the loss of innocence in the face of rapid advancement. Ultimately, the quote embodies a celebration of human daring and the joy found in embracing the powerful forces we have created, encouraging us to recognize the thrill that lies in surrendering ourselves to the extraordinary.
(Small World) - David Lodge
