Unfortunately, many technologists seem to believe that there are no limits to the increase in technological efficiency. They thus make it difficult to discuss what long-run levels of production and population are feasible for the future. I would like to emphasize, finally, that social structures are under increasing stress today because of rapid rates of technological change. It is time we recognized the dangers which could result from a breakdown in cultural systems. We need to draw a parallel between societal damage and the risks which emerge as ecological systems are overloaded and threaten to collapse.
Social systems can also fail for the same reason.
It is this reality that will force business to be increasingly involved with the support of societal structures. The view of the Chicago School of Economics, that the business of business is business, does not hold up given today's realities. Business requires certain basic predictable systems and structures if it is to be able to function at all. In current circumstances, there is clearly a risk that the preconditions for successful operation can be destroyed as social cohesion declines. The dangers ahead are visible in Russia and many developing countries, where businessmen have to be guarded against kidnap and murder.