The information age信息时代

　　The information age

　　Knowledge is power. This is more obviously true with the advent of the information age. With the rapid development of science and technology, mans knowledge is increasing very quickly. More and more books and scientific papers are published every year. It is said that the total of mans knowledge doubles every ten years. Besides, information spreads very quickly through television and computer networks, and people in different countries can share their knowledge and information in a fantastic short period. Like population explosion, information explosion in our times.

　　At the beginning of the industrial revolution, a countrys comparative advantage depended largely on the natural resources endowed by nature. Then, people experienced several phases in industry revolution: the primary industry, the secondary industry, and the tertiary industry. Now, we are in the fourth industry stage----the information industry.

　　It is argued that in future people should no longer be classified as white collars or blue collars, but rather as knowledge or non-knowledge workers. The knowledge workers can not only read and write, and perform rote tasks, they must meet the basic requirements of computer literacy and constantly conceive new way to match the changing demands of increasing productivity.

　　It is people mastering the most advanced knowledge who will take the lead. Systems developers, computer scientists and programmers, management analysts and inventors are in most demand in the industry countries.

　　The challenge facing every country is to resuscitate its investment and training. The only way to get greater knowledge is though education and training. Knowledge, like capital and material resources, has become an essential factor of production. Therefore, the educational system of a society ought to enable its members to make a rapid transition to adapt to the knowledge-based war. Otherwise, that society will inevitably lag behind.