The Book Introduction

This dawn of the third millennium is a time of danger and opportunity. The environmental crisis - global warming, desertification, rising sea levels - is related to our economic crises. Many nations have astronomical public debts. Health, education and other public services are deteriorating there - sometimes to the point of breakdown. There is also reason for hope. New data processing and transmission technologies are giving the planet a common nervous system. Genetics, microbiology, information- bio- and nano-technologies are combining in wonderful and awesome ways. Breakthroughs in the production of useful energy from ambient heat and ether make it possible to reforest deserts cheaply as well as to produce vast amounts of food, fertilizer and clean energy out in the ocean [240]. Such energy could also be used for cheap, reliable air and space travel. More people are realizing that the earth is one and fragile, and that humanity must treat it more responsibly.

Our difficulties could be harbingers of happier, more creative times. Things rarely worsen indefinitely. The longer and colder nights at the onset of winter do not cause dismay because it is known that the earth will soon warm again. A fertile time will come when new life blooms after winter has eliminated some of its more decayed and useless forms. The rebirth of the light was celebrated since prehistoric times.

The present the work contains a message of hope. It shows that our crises could be momentary and educational. A far juster (#5.6), more harmonious and enduring future is possible. Contemporary warfare is unnecessarily cruel and destructive. Violence in human society can be reduced to the functions it has in nature - maintaining natural balances, eliminating decay and degeneration (#5.7).

Whether we succumb to the dangers that now threaten our survival, or take full advantage of the opportunities becoming available us, depends on how clearly we think and honestly we communicate - hence on the way we use symbols. It was not so very long ago, geologically speaking, that our ancestors developed complex languages. It will be shown that our crises are largely due to a habitual confusion between our symbols and the realities they represent. It appears obvious that the word blue does not itself have color. It is less obvious that the numbers in our computerized bank accounts have no intrinsic value. They represent value.

Our confusion between what really has value for us because we really need it to live, and our symbols for value, has prehistoric origins. It is more easily understood by studying communities whose economies continue to be based on customary sharing and exchanging rather than on monetary transactions. Members of a family generally understand that life is pleasanter if they are nice to each other. Mutual trust and affection help them to confront difficulties, and to benefit from opportunities, together. They keep their home clean and garden pretty because life is more agreeable that way. One can `derive pleasure from giving pleasure to other people and earning their gratitude and respect in return.