Studying the characteristics of development extension agents can help in the understanding of the dynamics of development. These key personnel exhibit certain traits, not yet corroborated scientifically, as they attempt to induce drastic changes in the values, beliefs, production, and consumption patterns of developing nations in order to move them toward the prevailing socio-economic state of affluent societies. Financed by government funds, development extension agents work under government rather than target-group authority. They have little empathy for other ways of life and little rapport with target groups that do not share their higher education and living standards. They lack trust in the self-help capabilities of non-elite peoples. The agents extend the images of unlimited good and unlimited aspiration to people whose beliefs center on the finite nature of desirable things. They are innovative and modernist but advocate the maximum possible change rather than the minimum required change. With limited time and world views, they disregard the world's resources. Agents should modify their behaviors and attitudes because of the dangers of imposing a minority way of life on a majority and because of resource/consumption imbalances. Development should satisfy life needs without endangering life itself. (SB)