Stephen F Austin State University - Stone Fort Yearbook (Nacogdoches, TX)

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For years we denied that our industrial base was eroding steadily, even though it was happening right before our eyes. Our inability to see, however, and our penchant for denying even what we saw, were only natural, for the truth was too painful, too threatening. Because our industrial economy had served us so long, its demise was - for many of us - unthinkable, says John Naisbitt. While no one can predict the shape of the new world of high technology, Mr. Naisbitt, the author of Megatrends , says, The most reliable way to anticipate the future is by understanding the present. ' That a new world is coming, Mr. Naisbitt is sure. In fact he says the most important and critical megatrend or restructuring of society to come, is the movement away from an industrial economy and the movement toward an information-electronics economy. As more technology is introduced into society people will want to be with other people more. Shopping malls, for example, are now the third most frequented space in our lives, following home and the workplace, Mr. Naisbitt says. High tech high touch as a principle, he says, symbolizes the need for balance between our physical and spiritual realities. The number of universities offering some type of futures-oriented degree has increased from two in 1969 to over 45 in 1978, Mr. Naisbitt says. He lists some information occupations one can prepare for, including: programmers, teachers, c lerks, librarians, secretaries, accountants and stock brokers. Also managers, insurance people, bureaucrats, lawyers, bankers and technicians. About computers, Mr. Naisbitt says, It is important to think about the computer as a tool that manages complexity because just as surely as highways only encourage more cars, having a tool that manages complexity invites more and more complexity into society. Computer graphic by Kent McGowan Left: Trends show you the directions in which this country is moving, just as this laser swirls in many directions. Above: A high-tech look at SFA ' s Steen Hall. Megatrends - 9