Publisher's Synopsis
We are on the verge of a catastrophic era in the world. Although it is possible to remain optimistic in holding to the idea that things will work out, the reality is one that appears to involve a deterioration of the human spirit. Each of us now has a part to play in the unfolding drama of humanity at large, however small or insignificant it may appear to be. The time for action is now. We have survived this far only because weapons of mass destruction were only invented in the last century. But now, we have the capability to destroy ourselves-or at least the major portion of the population of earth-and to lay waste the environment for centuries if we unleash these weapons on ourselves. But, there are other forces that may bring about the same result. These "time bombs" involve an ever-increasing population and the accompanying food shortages, destruction of our mutual environment though pollution and radioactive wastes, the reduction of fresh water, global warming, harmful biological diseases, wars and militarism, an ever-decreasing biodiversity and genetic engineering. These forces may take time, but they will accomplish the same result as an all-out nuclear weapons exchange. While technology has produced great innovations, it has also created more efficient and deadlier means of killing. Hence, technology is not the answer to our problems. Religion is also not the solution since it has only served to divide us into numerous sects. Economic and political systems are not a panacea either because each of these contains a certain set of ills that are associated with them. What is required for humanity to prosper, survive and live in peace is a mutation of the heart, mind and spirit. Without this transformation, there will never be abundance for everyone, or an end to the constant conflict and war, nor a lifting of the human spirit from being stuck in misery and sorrow. For as long as we proceed in the same way along this journey together, and we do not change our ways drastically, then we are destined to repeat the situations that we currently find ourselves in-but in a larger and more dangerous context.
