Toffler begins the book by introducing the concept of "future shock," which he defines as "the dizzying disorientation brought on by the premature arrival of the future." He argues that the pace of technological and social change is accelerating so rapidly that people are struggling to adapt, and this is causing widespread anxiety and social dislocation.

What Is Futureshock?

"Future Shock" is a book by Alvin Toffler that examines the effects of rapid technological and societal change on individuals, businesses, and societies. The book was first published in 1970, but its insights remain relevant to this day. Here's a 7-part summary of the book for Startup CEOs:

Rapid Technology Changes & It’s Impact

The future cannot be predicted, but futures can be invented

Toffler proposes a new model of the self-managing person, who is able to adapt to change and take control of their own destiny. He argues that this is necessary in order to cope with the rapid pace of technological change and the increasing complexity of modern life.

The Self-Managing Person

Toffler argues that the traditional model of representative democracy is becoming outdated, and that new forms of political organization are needed to cope with the challenges of the future. He explores the idea of "anticipatory democracy," where people are empowered to participate in decision-making and shape the future.

The Future Of Politics

Toffler explores how the education system needs to adapt to prepare people for the future. He argues that traditional approaches to education, which focus on rote learning and memorization, are becoming obsolete. Instead, he suggests a new model of education that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

The New Education 

Toffler concludes the book by arguing that the future will be shaped by people's choices, and that we need to take responsibility for our own destiny. He encourages people to embrace change and to work together to create a better future.

The Choosing Society 

Change is not merely necessary to life - it is life

Toffler examines the ways in which the rapid pace of change is causing people to feel disconnected from the present moment. He argues that people are increasingly living in a "fugue state," where they are disconnected from their surroundings and their own bodies.

The Dissolving Present

Toffler explores the ways in which new technologies, such as computers and automation, are transforming the economy and the workplace. He argues that traditional ways of working and organizing businesses are becoming outdated, and that companies need to be more flexible and adaptable in order to survive.

Emerging Future

Amazing insight in the ancient book of wisdom to navigate today’s fast changing technology world.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The classic work that predicted the anxieties of a world upended by rapidly emerging technologies—and now provides a road map to solving many of our most pressing crises.  “Explosive . . . brilliantly formulated.” —The Wall Street Journal  Future Shock is the classic that changed our view of tomorrow. Its startling insights into accelerating change led a president to ask his advisers for a special report, inspired composers to write symphonies and rock music, gave a powerful new concept to social science, and added a phrase to our language. Published in over fifty countries, Future Shock is the most important study of change and adaptation in our time.  In many ways, Future Shock is about the present. It is about what is happening today to people and groups who are overwhelmed by change. Change affects our products, communities, organizations—even our patterns of friendship and love.  But Future Shock also illuminates the world of tomorrow by exploding countless clichés about today. It vividly describes the emerging global civilization: the rise of new businesses, subcultures, lifestyles, and human relationships—all of them temporary.  Future Shock will intrigue, provoke, frighten, encourage, and, above all, change everyone who reads it.

ALVIN TOFF

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