Abstract :
In this article the author presents some suggestions as to how we may bring a systems approach to bear on analyzing¿and perhaps optimizing¿our problems in the broad areas of the geosphere, biosphere, technosphere, and sociosphere, in other words, in the complex world in which we live today. He points out that while we enjoy the advantages of the energy and information revolutions, we must make sure that the structures of our society are flexible enough to adapt to the impact of technological change.