An essay explores alternative futures for mankind and the psychological and sociological changes needed to insure survival. The author asserts that to escape disaster it will be necessary to implement new concepts of control and self-direction; man's self-image must allow for the spectrum of human diversity. Two alternative philosophical views of man, the mechanomorphic and the humanistic, are discussed, then the development of human culture is further elaborated on in terms of eight stages of maturation (called intentionality gestalts) ranging from primitive to transcendent. It is concluded that increased realization of human potential requires social synergy rather than social competition. The essay discusses sketches for a new educational system to facilitate the actualization of human potential, and advances theories for obtaining an optimally functioning pluralistic society. (RB)