Biography

  1. Alvin and Heidi Toffler
    • Heidi helped Alvin write some of his books, but credited them as Alvin Toffler
    • Influenced many leaders around the world
    • Described by “Financial Times” as the “World’s most famous futurologist”
    • Also mentioned in “People’s Daily” as one of the top 50 foreigners that shaped modern China
    • “Toffler Associates”, the executive advisory firm formed by Alvin and Heidi Toffler

– helps commercial firms and government agencies to adapt to the change described in their books

  • Wrote about 6 books including “Future Shock” and “The Third Wave”
  • Known for discussing:

– digital revolution, communications revolution, corporate revolution, and technological singularity

Theory: “too much change in too short a period of time”

  1. Society undergoing an enormous structural change – a revolution from an “industrial society to a “super-industrial society”
    • Toffler’s philosophy and most of his key ideas are summarized into three of his twelve books: Future Shock (1970), The Third Wave (1980), and Powershift (1990).

Future Shock looks at the process of change (how change affects people and organizations)

The Third Wave focuses on the directions of change (where today’s changes are taking us)

Powershift deals with the control of changes still to come (who will shape them and how)

Proof

  • Future Shock (although written more than 30 years ago) has predicted:

– the break-up of the nuclear family

– the genetic revolution

– the “throw-away” society

– the rebirth of emphasis on education

– the increased importance of knowledge in society

Pros and Cons

  • Strength: It is a practical, relevant theory that many people agree with
  • Weakness: At the same time, many people feel the exact opposite of this theory: that there is not enough change in a short period of time
author avatar
William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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