From the "Cult of Secrecy" to the Information Culture

Abstract

Throughout the world there is a growing understanding of information as a most important product of social production, as a constantly growing resource of mankind, as a most valuable and popular commodity in international trade. Information and propaganda based on it have become a powerful means that can be used to solve the most complex problems, including those that have more than once in history led to armed struggle. The tendency toward the increased role of information in the life of society is the basis for the conclusion that under the present conditions of historical competition the socioeconomic system that will win is the one that possesses the higher quality information, that assimilates it faster, in greater volume, and more efficiently for the attainment of mankind's common goals.