differences - "that which" vs. "what"


What's the difference between "that which" and "what"?


Which of the following sentences is correct, and how (if at all) do they differ?



We only want to free technology from that which makes it inhuman.
We only want to free technology from what makes it inhuman.



(example from Return to Order ch. 10, penultimate ¶)



Answer



There's no difference in actual meaning.


"that which" is more formal, appropriate in traditional or literary writing.


"what" is good for everyday use, especially in speech.


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