Its first essay addresses misuse of scientific discovery by government. Contending that technology is a type of moral philosophy, not science, he advocates for technologists to advise on the proper use of technology and greater technological decentralization. He promotes reducing cars and encouraging space exploration. Goodman draws a final analogy between his contemporary times and the Protestant Reformation.[1]
The book marked Goodman's schism from the countercultural student movement, which he saw as growing in ignorance and frail ideology, and who saw him as bourgeois.[1]
Writing in 2010, author Kerry Howley assessed Goodman's core distrust as having withstood the test of time (i.e., in CIA and FBIhidden government and in major political parties to protect civil liberties and not pursue war). She found his style to overprocess and sabotage ideas he intended to germinate, often extinguishing the joy out of otherwise interesting, subversive thoughts.[1]
Letwin, Shirley Robin (March 3, 1973). "Shirley Robin Letwin on the hero of the Beat Generation (Book Review)". The Spectator. Vol. 230, no. 7549. pp. 266–267. ISSN0038-6952. ProQuest1295816703.
Resnik, Henry S. (May 23, 1970). "Heretic from the Mass Faith in Scientific Technology (Rev. of New Reformation)". Saturday Review. pp. 43–46. ISSN0036-4983.