In 1960 (12 years before I was born) CP Snow (the Physicist) wrote: “up until this century change was so slow that it would pass unnoticed in one person’s lifetime.” That is no longer the case - today the rate of change has increased so much that not even our imagination can keep up!
In 1970, 2 years before I was borne, Warren Bennis (the pioneer in Leadership Studies) said “the throttle has been pushed so far forward in recent years that ‘no exaggeration, no hyperbole, no outrage can realistically describe the extent and pace of change in the world today.... in fact only the exaggerations seem to be true.” - his words are even more relevant today that they were 43 years ago. Companies like Nerallink come to mind..
The pace of change in our industry today is remarkable.
Back in 1970, Toffler wrote Future Shock which is even more relevant today than it was then.
In Future Shock, Toffler states: Due to the pace of change, The world of today is as different from the world when I was born (1972) as that world was from Julius Caesar’s (44 BC).. According to Toffler, even less happened before the times of Julius Caesar. In fact, it works out that, in terms of change, I was born in the middle of entire human history!
Roughly as much change has happened since I was born as happened in 50,000 years before. How can that be accurate? Lets check it out...
Humans have been around for 50,000 years and have an average lifetime of 62 years. Which equates to about 800 lifetimes of human existence.
The first 650 of those lifetimes were spent in caves
Only in the last 75 lifetimes has it been possible to communicate from one lifetime to another.. this is the oldest example of writing, a tablet from Uruk - 4,000 years old
Only during the past 6 lifetimes did the masses see the printed word
Only the last 3 lifetimes have seen the electric motor
This 800th lifetime marks a sharp break with all past human experience...
all the material goods we use in daily life today have been developed in 1 lifetime...
Below follows my review of “Future Shock.”
Exploring the Turbulent Waters of Tomorrow: A Review of "Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler
In the realm of futurism and societal analysis, few names loom as large as Alvin Toffler, and few works are as seminal as his masterpiece, "Future Shock." This book remains as relevant and thought-provoking today as it was over five decades ago. Toffler's insights into the rapid pace of change and its profound impacts on individuals and society offer a compelling framework for understanding the complexities of our modern world.
"Future Shock" is a captivating exploration of the psychological and social effects of accelerating change. Toffler coined the term "future shock" to describe the disorientation and distress experienced by individuals and societies when they are unable to cope with the pace of technological and social transformation. Drawing on a wide range of disciplines including sociology, psychology, economics, and anthropology, Toffler presents a compelling argument for the need to adapt to the ever-accelerating pace of change or risk being left behind.
One of the book's most compelling aspects is its ability to anticipate many of the trends and challenges that have come to define the modern world. From the rise of information technology to the globalization of economies, Toffler's analysis remains remarkably prescient. He foresaw the emergence of a knowledge-based economy, the decentralization of power, and the blurring of traditional boundaries between work and leisure long before these trends became widely recognized.
Toffler's writing is both insightful and accessible, making complex ideas understandable to a wide audience. He deftly weaves together anecdotes, case studies, and theoretical concepts to create a rich tapestry of ideas. Moreover, his prose is imbued with a sense of urgency, challenging readers to confront the implications of rapid change and to think critically about how they can navigate an uncertain future.
One of the book's most enduring contributions is its emphasis on the need for individuals and societies to develop what Toffler calls "future shock absorbers." These include strategies for lifelong learning, flexibility, and adaptability, as well as a willingness to embrace change rather than resist it. Toffler argues that by cultivating these attributes, individuals can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly turbulent world.
Despite being written over fifty years ago, "Future Shock" remains essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of modern society and preparing for the challenges of the future. Its insights are as relevant today as they were when it was first published, serving as a timeless reminder of the need to embrace change and adapt to an ever-evolving world.
"Future Shock" is a masterful work that continues to captivate and inspire readers with its profound insights into the nature of change and its impact on individuals and society. Alvin Toffler's vision of the future may have been ahead of its time, but its lessons are timeless, offering valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of the modern world. Whether you're a seasoned futurist or simply curious about what lies ahead, "Future Shock" is essential reading that will leave you both enlightened and empowered.
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Hi, I’m Scott Seaborn. I’m a Creative Technologist.
I talk about Digital Transformation and Digitalisatiion. As a pioneer of mobile applications, back in the days before the iPhone, I was responsible for consumer apps on behalf of global brands like HSBC, Coca Cola, Nectar, Amex, Porsche, Unilever, GSK and many more.... I'm an award winning international keynote speaker and the founder of Forever Foundry, where we create apps that crush technical debt, Forever...
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