In support of his basic premise that the rise of technology has led to a systematic neglect of essential human values, the author first describes the state of Western civilization prior to 1800. He then traces the growth of modern technology from the industrial revolution through the "neotechnic" phase to the present day "post-industrial" society. The resulting impact of this developing technology on society and culture he describes in terms of its effect on war, science, government, business, language, higher education, the natural and the social environment, the mass media, traditional culture and religion, and the populace in general. He examines the ideas of a Utopian society and rejects the claims of scientists that technology alone will bring about such a Utopia. He reviews the theories of various eminent "futurists" and offers his own prediction based on these ideas and his own view of human nature. His conclusion is that man can and must control technology and use it for saner, more civilized purposes than he now does. (JY)