John Naisbitt the Futurist

Background

John Naisbitt (January 15, 1929 – April 8, 2021, Aged 92) was an American author and public speaker in the area of futures studies. His first book Megatrends: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives was published in 1982. It was the result of almost ten years of research. It was on The New York Times Best Seller List for two years, mostly as No. 1. Megatrends was published in 57 countries and sold more than 14 million copies.

John Naisbitt grew up in Glenwood, Utah and studied at Harvard, Cornell and Utah universities. He gained business experience working for IBM and Eastman Kodak. In the world of politics he was assistant to the Commissioner of Education under President John F. Kennedy and served as special assistant to HEW Secretary John Gardner during the Johnson administration. He left Washington in 1966 and joined Science Research Associates. In 1968 he founded his own company, the Urban Research Corporation. Naisbitt founded the Naisbitt China Institute, a non-profit, independent research institution studying the social, cultural and economic transformation of China located at Tianjin University. In 2009, Naisbitt published China's Megatrends, a book analyzing China's rise. He has been an adviser on agricultural development to the royal government of Thailand, former visiting fellow at Harvard University, visiting professor at Moscow State University, faculty member at Nanjing University in China, distinguished International Fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Malaysia (the first non-Asian to hold this appointment), professor at Nankai University, Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, and a member of the advisory Board of the Asia Business School, Tianjin, and has been the recipient of 15 honorary doctorates in the humanities, technology and science. John Naisbitt and his wife Doris were based in Vienna and Tianjin.

Naisbitt died on April 8, 2021, at his secondary residence in Velden am Wörther See, Austria.

John Naisbitt on Predicting the Future and Megatrends

"Megatrends: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives" is a book written by John Naisbitt, a renowned futurist and social commentator. Published in 1982, the book examines the major trends and shifts shaping society and the global economy during that time, which went on to sell an amazing 14 million copies. It also ended up changing your perspective.

Here is a summary of the key ideas and themes explored in the book:

Naisbitt identifies ten major "megatrends" that he believes are transforming various aspects of our lives:

The Information Society: Naisbitt predicts that the world is moving from an industrial society to an information-based society. He emphasizes the increasing importance of information and knowledge as drivers of economic and social progress.
The Global Economy: Naisbitt highlights the rise of the global economy and the increasing interconnectedness of markets worldwide. He discusses the impact of international trade, multinational corporations, and the emergence of new economic powers.
The Rise of the Pacific Rim: Naisbitt observes the growing economic power and influence of countries in the Pacific Rim, particularly Japan at the time. He suggests that this region will play a pivotal role in shaping the global economy.
The Decentralization of Power: Naisbitt argues that power is shifting away from traditional hierarchical structures towards decentralized networks. He discusses the rise of grassroots movements, participatory democracy, and the influence of technology in empowering individuals and communities.
The Growth of Service Industries: Naisbitt predicts the increasing dominance of service industries over manufacturing sectors. He emphasizes the importance of knowledge-based services, such as information technology, finance, and healthcare, in driving economic growth.
The Aging Society: Naisbitt examines the demographic shift towards an aging population and its implications for healthcare, retirement, and social welfare systems. He explores the challenges and opportunities presented by this trend.
The Feminization of Society: Naisbitt explores the changing role of women in society and the workplace. He discusses the increasing participation of women in the labor force and their impact on family dynamics and social structures.
The Consumer Society: Naisbitt examines the rise of consumerism and the growing importance of consumer preferences and lifestyles. He discusses the impact of advertising, marketing, and changing patterns of consumption on society.
The Environmental Challenge: Naisbitt addresses the growing concerns about environmental degradation and the need for sustainable practices. He explores the impact of industrialization, pollution, and resource depletion on the planet.
The Transformation of Values: Naisbitt observes shifts in societal values, including a greater emphasis on individualism, self-expression, and personal growth. He discusses the changing moral and ethical landscape and its implications for social cohesion.

Overall, "Megatrends" offers a comprehensive analysis of the major forces shaping society and the global economy in the early 1980s. While some of the specific predictions and examples may be dated, the book provides valuable insights into long-term trends and their enduring impact on our lives.