Past civilizations, which have already run their course, can suggest the future of existing civilizations.[…]
Events may or may not unfold as predicted. Now, in the remaining part of this chapter, we will follow up on the idea that the arrival of a new civilization brings changes to institutions formed both in the previous epoch and two epochs earlier.
The fifth civilization, driven by computer technology, will shake the foundations of the current society in ways as yet unseen. If the past is any indication, one can anticipate that, on one hand, the news and entertainment media and, on the other, institutions of commerce and education will be caught in the vortex of fundamental change.