Chapters 1-2 Summary and Analysis

Toffler discusses the rapid changes that will take place in study and states his purpose as studying how people will adjust to these changes. Some people seek change, others run from it. Change means that there has to be new rules and new roles for people. Toffler calls this a disease that he names future shock. He distinguishes this from cultural shock, a situation in which the familiar cues are replaced by unfamiliar cues. This is a situation encountered in foreign travel.

Millions of people will be affected by the disorientation of future shock. The changes of the future will result in not knowing what behavior is and isn't rationale given the changes in society. Toffler discusses some of the innovations and changes that have taken place in history such as in agriculture and the effects they have had...