This overview of futurism defines it as a movement believing that a positive future world may be created through wise decision-making and futuristic planning. Present societal conditions have provided an impetus for a futuristic focus, and various authors, think tanks, techniques, and organizations have contributed to the wide acclaim and respect given futurism today. The three different approaches to futurism are crisis futurism, evolutionary futurism, and spiritual futurism; and they must be merged into a new synthesis as the best hope for a positive future. Three basic principles of futurism are the unity or interconnectedness of reality; the crucial importance of time; and the importance of ideas, which provide the substance about a time that has not yet been. Future-oriented persons share many characteristics, including a high level of creativity. Planning is one of the many areas in which future studies can be effectively used. Forecasting techniques futurists use include exploratory forecasting, normative forecasting, and the Delphi technique. Readings and cassette tapes on futurism and vocational education are listed. (Author/DCS)