Modern Technology and Civilization: An Introduction to Human Problems in the Machine Age (Classic Reprint)

Explore how science and technology shape our future—and what it means for daily life.

This book examines the big questions of the machine age, from population and leisure to how knowledge can guide a more hopeful human story.

Written as a clear, engaged introduction, it connects scientific advance to everyday life. It explains how new possibilities bring both opportunity and challenge, and why a broader understanding of education, policy, and human values matters as we design with machines in mind.

Readers will gain a concise framework for thinking about technology’s impact on society, work, and personal fulfillment. The text stresses practical ideas—how society might balance resources, how learning shapes our choices, and why responsible use of science matters for everyone.

• How science changes our sense of purpose and the meaning of leisure.
• How technology interacts with education, policy, and culture to shape collective progress.
• Why understanding human values helps us guide technological change, not fear it.
• How a shared vision of fulfillment can influence future choices in work and life.

Ideal for readers of technology history and science-and-society topics.