Download Future Shock Alvin Toffler Books
Download Future Shock Alvin Toffler Books
Download As PDF : Future Shock Alvin Toffler Books
A disturbing and challenging book. Daily Expres..Softback,Ex-Library,with usual stamps markings, ,in good all-round condition,no dust jacket,517pages.
Download Future Shock Alvin Toffler Books
"This is a visionary work of literature, that was written in 1970. What is amazing is the realities of today that this author has so accurately captured 40 years ago. The book anticipated what we are facing today, an accelerated rate of changes in technology.
Every couple of months, as you may now be aware, CPU chip speeds in desktop and laptop computers keep increasing. Staying on the cutting edge of technology is almost a full-time job. Next we are faced with an ever-changing cellular phone and MP3 player product range. Now, even the way we read books is changing with things like the ipad and the kindle. Where will this all end? Do we have to keep running just to keep pace with what's happening? The Internet and the dramatic impact that this has made, may not even have been fully envisioned by this author, but it is here and evolving at its own rate, making the earth a global village.
Mr. Toffler attacks this problem in Six Parts as follows:
- The Death of Permanence
- Transience
- Novelty
- Diversity
- The Limits of Adaptability
- Strategies for Survival
In the end, each of us must formulate our own strategies for this rapidly and ever changing world that we now live in. This author, has given some clinical and effective methods that we can tailor to our own personal situation. We must all continue to adjust or run the risk of being left behind and becoming 'obsolete'."
Product details
|
Tags : Future Shock [Alvin Toffler] on . A disturbing and challenging book. Daily Expres..Softback, Ex-Library, with usual stamps markings, in good all-round condition,Alvin Toffler,Future Shock,Random House,B000CEMJEE
Future Shock Alvin Toffler Books Reviews :
Future Shock Alvin Toffler Books Reviews
- Hard to believe this was written 45 years ago. It was phenomenally prescient, and it still feels representative of the modern era and well-positioned to predict the future. Toffler's premise that the accelerating rate of social change (including ever-greater transcience, novelty, and diversity) is outpacing man's ability to cope comes with a dour imperative adapt or die.
We, as individuals and as a civilization, need to understand "the accelerative thrust triggered by man has become the key to the entire evolutionary process on the planet," and Toffler suggests we need to seize control over the rapid waves of change headed our way before they overtake us. Sadly, society does not yet seem to have heeded Toffler's calls to action, and much of our lives are filled with idle, ephemeral distraction while the ground shifts beneath our feet. Climate change science was not as abundant or conclusive in the early 1970s as it is today, so while they're no mention of it in the book (it's also a natural phenomenon, while Toffler focuses on the accelerative thrust of tech), it is a perfect example of how humans need to be more future-oriented and prepared for massive change.
Toffler's writing is well-researched and fast-paced. It reads almost like an action thriller. His descriptions of the accelerative wave of change sweeping through society actually made me anxious as I read--today the force of change is almost tangible; you can feel its pressure everywhere you turn, with all of the complex decisions we're faced with and the new information we're required to process on a daily basis. I'm sure Toffler would find it ironic that I was speed-reading his book--with so much to keep up with, I feel there's no time to read at a leisurely pace anymore.
I appreciated Toffler's self-criticism throughout. He acknowledges that no single idea is "omni-insightful" and that, while some of his suggestions for solutions may appear naive, such as transforming our economy to pay more attention to social and environmental welfare, they are also critical to the survival of the human race.
Do not underestimate Future Shock. Its message is clearly a driving force behind Ray Kurzweil's "The Singularity Is Near"; billionaire Carlos Slim identified it as a key resource that helped him anticipate the future.
If you're fascinated by culture and want to understand the strange, fast-paced compression of modern life, this book is essential. - I first read this book in 1974, and have continuously referred to its ideas in thought and conversation ever since. I wanted to re-read and up-date my memory of its concepts over the holidays. If anything I found Toffler to be even more relevant today than when he first published his book. I only wish that he would re-write his book up-dating his ideas with the novelties like the personal computer, the internet, social media, and the smart phone, which he implicitly predicted and which today act as change agents for more accelerated change.
- I wanted to read it again, because I read it when it first came out and wanted to know if anything came out as the author envisioned. Some things were uncannily accurate and some just strange. Some things he didn't emphasize much, like the environment and women's rights. Some sexist attitudes were apparent, probably without the author even realizing it. Some areas we have not progressed as far as he thought we would, such as transportation. If you remember the times, or if you read it when it came out in 1970, you may like to read it. Or even if you're just curious.
- This is a visionary work of literature, that was written in 1970. What is amazing is the realities of today that this author has so accurately captured 40 years ago. The book anticipated what we are facing today, an accelerated rate of changes in technology.
Every couple of months, as you may now be aware, CPU chip speeds in desktop and laptop computers keep increasing. Staying on the cutting edge of technology is almost a full-time job. Next we are faced with an ever-changing cellular phone and MP3 player product range. Now, even the way we read books is changing with things like the ipad and the kindle. Where will this all end? Do we have to keep running just to keep pace with what's happening? The Internet and the dramatic impact that this has made, may not even have been fully envisioned by this author, but it is here and evolving at its own rate, making the earth a global village.
Mr. Toffler attacks this problem in Six Parts as follows
- The Death of Permanence
- Transience
- Novelty
- Diversity
- The Limits of Adaptability
- Strategies for Survival
In the end, each of us must formulate our own strategies for this rapidly and ever changing world that we now live in. This author, has given some clinical and effective methods that we can tailor to our own personal situation. We must all continue to adjust or run the risk of being left behind and becoming 'obsolete'. - The book was described in good condition, and it was in great condition. Yes, it was used, but the book showed aging with the frayed corners. The book came with the original cover in perfect condition making me wonder if the book was ever read. If it were, it was not read many times. You can trust this person.
- It's been several years since I read this book, but I can vividly recall that moment when I smacked my forehead and said, "WOW." Mr. Toffler had expertly brought me to a level of consciousness about something that was "right there - in front of me." I am still struck by how well this book and its followers have taken the complications contained within the history of humankind and pointed out the lessons from which we can benefit by anticipating the next wave.
- I love the book (so far). It was supposed to be delivered on May 24, but was delivered on May 29. Also, the paper it's printed on is super cheap gray dime-store-novelette type paper. It's totally unacceptable for a "library" edition. I had planned to give it to a local library when I was finished -- returned it instead. Found a paperback copy at a local store instead.
- I read "Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler when it was first published. Can't find my original copy. Replacing with this copy.
Comments
Post a Comment