The most important technological advances of the past century Ð most significantly the telephone and the computer Ð have contributed to an information revolution in which continuous data-streams encircle the globe in the service of world commerce. Cultures are hard-pressed to keep pace with such transactions Ð literally occurring at the speed of light – and ever more rapid technological change. The result is what some describe as societal dislocation … “The deeper significance of whatÕs happening to our culture – the sense of distemper and death – is that it depicts the end of a particular worldview. Throughout history whenever a worldview has come to a close, its culture usually expressed themes of anomie and crisis.” According to Wishard and others, America now relies upon the promise of science and technology to pave the way for a liberal utopian vision. But scientific advancement coupled with cultural dissolution has taken its toll. Even those most keen on the power of technology understand that without corresponding social development we will become a culture awash in information but without core values.
Predictor: Wishard, William Van Dusen
Prediction, in context:In a September 1995 article in Insight on the News, journalist Gayle M.B. Hanson offers predictions she gathered from futurists, policy analysts and administrators. The article includes material culled from the Internet, including some remarks made by William Van Dusen Wishard. Hanson writes: ”‘Consider the following,’ says futurist William Van Dusen Wishard, who has served four presidents and directs WorldTrends Research in Reston, Va. ‘Since 1960, weÕve gained more scientific knowledge than in all previous history combined. Fifty years ago we could identify two galaxies; today, two billion galaxies. And the very nature of how we view science has changed dramatically from that which was held for some 400 years. It is little wonder why our world view is in such upheaval.’ … The most important technological advances of the past century Ð most significantly the telephone and the computer Ð have contributed to an information revolution in which continuous data-streams encircle the globe in the service of world commerce. Cultures are hard-pressed to keep pace with such transactions Ð literally occurring at the speed of light Ð and ever more rapid technological change. The result is what some describe as societal dislocation. The discovery of DNA, for example, while holding the promise of deeper understanding of the creation of life itself, also presents us with complicated ethical questions. ‘One of the myths of America is that life is a love boat,Õ says Wishard. ÔLife is a struggle and it will always be that way.’ If at the dawn of this century we were enthralled by the mere notion of scientific advancement, by mid-century we are already beginning to question its benefits. ÔWe have somehow got this idea that the forces of life are out there somewhere acting upon us, that there are invisible forces of history that are moving us. The struggle is always inside people.Õ … ‘Those who suggest that 1950s culture was about Leave It to Beaver or Donna Reed fail to consider the larger context,Õ says Wishard. ÔThe deeper significance of whatÕs happening to our culture Ð the sense of distemper and death Ð is that it depicts the end of a particular worldview. Throughout history whenever a worldview has come to a close, its culture usually expressed themes of anomie and crisis.Õ According to Wishard and others, America now relies upon the promise of science and technology to pave the way for a liberal utopian vision. But scientific advancement coupled with cultural dissolution has taken its toll. Even those most keen on the power of technology understand that without corresponding social development we will become a culture awash in information but without core values.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Insight on the News
Title, headline, chapter name: Paved With Fool’s Gold?
Quote Type: Partial quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 33
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne