The Implications of American Physical Abundance

The prime issue which divides the intellectual establishment at this point in time is not whether they support the Left or the Right but whether they assume that the future can and will be like the past or whether they are convinced that there must be fundamental change in order for mankind to survive. This article develops the thesis that basic alterations in our socioeconomic system are essential if we are to benefit from the potentials of the new technologies. It argues that the necessary alterations will be exceptionally difficult to achieve and endeavors to set out the possibilities and problems in achieving change. Now that automation and cybernation have provided the world-wide potential for adequate food, clothing, and shelter, our most urgent problem is to ensure that each person is provided with the resources which can be made available and also with a sense of security that the resources made available will not be withdrawn under any circumstances. The consequent economic security, coupled with community security and educational security, are shown to be peculiarly essential if man is to rise to the new challenges of the cybernetic era through growing understanding of the need for self-actualization.