Technology and Culture

118 Book Reviews TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE While some of his theoretical and analytical treatments turn out to have been truly prophetic, the majority of his concepts and ideas were either incomplete or impractical; nevertheless, Tsander undoubtedly will be remembered as one of the early pioneers of spaceflight in Russia. Perhaps Tsander’s principal role is that of an early staunch enthusiast who constantly pursued his personal slogan, “Forward to Mars!” and who was a rallying point for other serious rocket men in Moscow at a time when spaceflight was ridiculed. George P. Sutton* Space: Its Impact on Man's Society. Edited by Lillian Levy. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1965. Pp. 228. $4.50. Both critics and partisans of this nation’s space effort deserve to read this civilized survey of its impact on society. Science and technology have given us the power to explore space. From this capacity flows the necessity of re-examining our values on topics as diverse as our pro­ fessional means of self-expression and our moral views of the universe. A new realm of the imagination is opened. The “impact” of space is actually that of men’s science upon man and society. Lillian Levy has brought together in this book a remarkable selection of essays representing a wide range of attitudes and running the gamut from politics and science to theology and science fiction. They are revealing both of the profound effects of science on society and of the scattered and inconclusive manner in which we are approaching the space age. While authors may disagree on what ought to be done, they all agree that the exploration of space is playing an important role in shaping man’s view of the world. For good or evil, man’s thrust into the solar system and beyond cannot be called back. President Johnson leads off with a truly remarkable state paper. In the midst of a year of conflict, he sets forth, in a manner not found elsewhere in his official statements, a program for an age of promise, a promise which is political as well as scientific. “Space exploration is the first human experience with the potential of joint participation by all nations of the Earth,” he writes. He looks forward to expanding the co-operative efforts of the Soviet Union and the United States. He sees the potential of the first great application of the space effort—improved international communications—as providing a means for lessening the likelihood of misunderstanding. The President sets the major theme of the book as he discusses the change in institutions at home and abroad * Mr. Sutton, director of Long Range Planning at Rocketdyne, was formerly Hunsaker Professor of Aeronautical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of Rocket Propulsion Elements, & fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE Book Reviews 119 that will be necessary if the science and technology of the space age are to serve man. James Hagerty, White House Press Secretary during President Eisen­ hower’s eight years in office, develops the idea that the space program has already provided mankind with immensely strengthened worldwide communications. “Global communication by satellite systems will give television greater influence than that of other mass communications media,” he stresses, although other communications media will profit as well. The challenge is to use this new power prudently. Wisdom consists in “sharing with others what is primarily one’s own.” It is in this sense that individuals and nations must learn to communicate. Education—the need for it and the impact of space activities on it— is another theme of the book. The authors, viewing the question from many perspectives, provide insights into the dynamics of the relation­ ship between space and education. James Webb, administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, emphasizes the im­ portance of continuing education for adults in order that they may participate intelligently in discussions and decisions on space objectives. Joseph Beirne, president of the Communications Workers of America, sees a vital need not only for better but for more education for the young to meet the...