This type of technological change demands great social change on the part of the citizens of the world. That this change is greater than that required of those adjusting to a sailing vessel, most would concede. How much greater would be subject to question. The time available for such changes to be made, however, can be measured. It is thirty-five years rather than one million.
Technology tends to be cumulative.
Technological changes come faster and faster, and each is greater than the last. This produces the same pattern in the social changes new technology demands. If the technological determinists are correct in their analysis, we are confronted with a tremendous responsibility. And of possibly greater significance is the fact that if we don't make these choices fast enough we may never have a second chance. Large scale war, as a means for solving group differences, is no longer possible.