A book about ideology and political theory that seeks to define what is wrong with technological civilization. Ferkiss largely avoids the familiar banal answers and two-thirds of this study is a serious effort to penetrate beyond the wishful thinking of both critics and defenders of advanced industrialism. Explosive forces propel technological society toward chaos. Political leadership and scientific expertise are more part of the problem than part of a solution. Above all, the complacent liberal view that society can peacefully solve social and ecological problems stands exposed as a myth. Ferkiss demolishes the liberal Weltanschauung as an irresponsible and obsolete ideology of growth. He is skeptical of standard radical alternatives because they too remain committed to a productivist credo or else preach mere escapism. What is a viable political philosphy for the future? Ferkiss' answer is ""ecological humanism,"" which presumably gives shape to a new space-age awareness pointing away from a selfish egocentric consciousness toward a global consciousness. Ecological humanism rejects violence and the pursuit of false needs based on uncontrolled production and consumption. Here the reader will look in vain for a sober analysis of the actual situation and the real possibilities for change. When Ferkiss pins his hopes on a new ""middle-class revolution,"" his otherwise critical and serious essay lapses into platitudinous respectability.