Through science-based technology modern society has drawn upon a growing number of energy sources in ever growing quantities and for growing purposes. Modern society has become absolutely dependent upon a steady flow of engineered energy. This success has had the paradoxical effect of enabling an enormous increase in the global economy and in population. It has also increased the vulnerability of society through the destructive potential of high risk forms of energy and from possible deprivation of critical energy flows. But an unlimited supply of safe, virtually costless energy would pose a formidable challenge to human judgment, restraint and morality.
Technology infuses almost every aspect of modern life and, as with energy, has mixed effects.
Although it has immensely advanced the quality of human life and enlarged capabilities and especially tools of learning, technology applied can have both constructive and destructive consequences. Thoughtful analyses have addressed the paradox that as humans extend technology, technologies tend to control human behavior. Bio-technologies for behavioral control may become acceptable options in the future, modifying current attitudes toward criminal justice and civil rights. Their effects may be malign as well benign. What people believe or disbelieve can make a determining difference in future-shaping choices and decisions.