Concentrating on the social dimension of human experience and existence, this book probes certain profound changes occurring in contemporary technology, economy, society, politics, and education. The author discusses four major discontinuities: (1) the impact of the new technology on the industrial structure; (2) the shift from an "international economy," to a "world economy" which as yet lacks policy, theory, or institutions; (3) a new sociopolitical reality, embracing business, government, and other pluralistic institutions, which poses drastic political, philosophical, and spiritual challenges; (4) the rising importance of knowledge and of formal education, with resulting implications for work, life, leisure, and leadership. Numerous changes are urged, among them the de-emphasis of academic and Federal governmental dominance, and more attention to continuing education and other approaches to making education more flexible and relevant. A subject index is also included. (LY)