Current Patterns and Future Prospects: Reflections for the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

I will conclude with thoughts about, and proposals for, our current situation. It should now be clear that many of our traditional beliefs are increasingly at odds with the world they have helped to produce. Often their approaches are actually counterproductive, even potentially destructive. Science and technology have clearly increased the speed and scope of historical transformations. At the same time, they have tended to undermine traditional systems of belief without so far providing us with clear and coherent alternatives. A growing sense of uncertainty of purpose, loss of direction, and personal anxiety is tending to place in question the very future of the biosphere and life on this planet.

Democracy must begin at home, and its home is the neighborly community.

John Dewey

All my gods have feet of clay.

Albert Camus