Discoloration with age Alvin Toffler Random House, 1970 - Civilization, Modern - 505 pages, Book Club Edition Examines the effects of rapid industrial and technological changes upon the individual, the family, and society. Future Shock is a 1970 book by American futurist Alvin Toffler,[1] written together with his spouse Adelaide Farrell,[2][3] in which the authors define the term "future shock" as a certain psychological state of individuals and entire societies. The shortest definition for the term in the book is a personal perception of "too much change in too short a period of time".[citation needed] The book, which became an international bestseller, has sold over 6 million copies and has been widely translated.