> ruins of an outdated order
The human race does seem to be headed over the cliff, lemming like. And many do think that the shock of that coming disaster is a requirement for the beginning of a new age. I just cannot agree, though. To me it seems more likely that we have just one chance at making civilization work. If it breaks down, the disorder will be so great that we will not be able to make a comeback.
Shock we need, yes, to get us out of the rut, but not a hugely destructive shock. Let us rather base the "new planetary structure" on a salutary shock. The realization not only that we all know that we all know that we are in this together, and simultaneously that we are a kind and intelligent folk, which we are, that will be the salutary shock that we need. I do think we have a real chance of getting there.
