The cost of progress from "summary" of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
The cost of progress becomes evident throughout the narrative of "The Devil in the White City" as the city of Chicago undergoes rapid and transformative development in the late 19th century. As the World's Columbian Exposition takes shape, showcasing the technological advancements and architectural marvels of the time, a darker underbelly emerges. The construction of the fairgrounds comes at a high price - not only in terms of financial investment but also in terms of human lives. The relentless pace of progress demands sacrifices, and in the case of the fair, these sacrifices come in the form of workers who toil under dangerous conditions, often resulting in injury or death. The drive for innovation and modernity blinds many to the human cost of their ambitions, leading to a callous disregard for the well-being of those at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The juxtaposition of progress and its toll is perhaps most starkly illustrated in the character of H. H. Holmes, a charming and seemingly successful businessman who uses the opportunities presented by the fair to carry out heinous crimes. Holmes embodies the dark side of progress - the exploitation of advancements in science and technology for personal gain, without regard for the lives he destroys in the process. As the fair comes to a close and Chicago basks in the glow of its success, the true cost of progress becomes impossible to ignore. The glittering facade of the White City conceals a multitude of sins, from corruption and greed to exploitation and violence. The legacy of the fair is tainted by the shadow of these darker truths, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the price paid for progress at any cost.
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