The essence of cybernetic organizations is that they are self-controlling, self-maintaining, self-realizing. Indeed, cybernetics has been characterized as the "science of effective organization," in just these terms. But the word "cybernetics" conjures, in the minds of an apparently great number of people, visions of computerized information networks, closed loop systems, and robotized man-surrogates, such as "artorgas" and "cyborgs." Man, the human animal, recoils. Surely this is not the world that Wiener envisaged, where there would at last be a "human use of human beings." But, given the trend of manifest events, is this not the world which is most probably evolving? Those who hold such a view are probably epitomized by the late Amos de Shalit, a nuclear physicist who almost a decade ago contended that we live in a world in which cybernetic applications of computer technology had already progressed to a point at which an autonomous "Turing Machine" or "Uttley Machine" culture is clearly foreshadowed. Thus, in his view, the most man could hope for now is parity with the machine, in terms of domination of the planet. But at the other extreme are those whose view is that the cybernetic vision is largely a mirage, and whose attitude is characterized by the quip "Given enough competent human beings in attendance, any computerized information system can be made to work." The argument of this paper runs in the following termsr (1) That this is a time in human affairs when, in the context of the foregoing analysis, the "radical" point of view is likely to prove to be the "conservative" one: we may well be in the early stages of a "cybernetic revolution" worthy of "1984" and "RUR." Thus, to accept as potential reality what may seem an alarmist view, may turn out to be the only perspective which secures viable options by promoting mankind's welfare. (2) That it is not "too late" to forestall the evolution of a dehumanizing "cybernetic culture," where humans are required to adapt to patterns of organizational efficiency dictated by machine logics. (3) But that we cannot "turn back the clock," nor should we want to. It is only an ameliorative tactic at best to interrupt the orderly utilization of modern technology, especially if there is a socio- economic assessment of impacts made prior to installation. At worst, the arbitrary forestalling of technology utilization may set in motion system dynamics which will prove ultimately counterproductive, even in terms of the value orientations of the human- oriented conservationists. (4) Thus, having both the developed and developing nations in view, the most universally effective social policy is likely that which utilizes to the fullest extent possible the fruits of cybernetic science and system research, in the service of mankind. (5) It follows from this that man's most urgent and pre-emptive need is maximally to utilize cybernetic science and computer technology within a general systems framework, to build a meta- systemic reality which is now only dimly envisaged. Intelligent and purposeful application of rapidly developing telecommunications and teleprocessing technology should make possible a degree of worldwide value consensus heretofore unrealizable. The vision of cybernetic organizations espoused by this paper is therefore that, while we appear to live in a Dicken- sonian "best of times, worst of times" world, cybernetic science, computer technology, and general systems concepts create potential for realization of the former, and elimination of much of what comprises the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]