http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
400 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm.
We are standing at a threshold leading either towards the grave of all civilization and moral striving, or the birthing of a new kind of world community based on recognition of the unlimited potential that lies dormant within every human being. This is because within us is not only an intelligent animal or machine but a living power of spirit that can be a force for both evil and good. At the essence of the huge challenges we are facing today as a global civilization is the question of who we are and what we are being called upon to develop. As is clearly shown in this extraordinarily wide-ranging book, one's self-image influences how one perceives reality. If we see ourselves simply as advanced animals or pre-programmed robots, the will for self-change and autonomous action is weakened. But if we are willing to extend our rationality and imagination to encompass not only the bodily levels of existence, but those of soul and spirit, everything changes. For this extension of scientific method can awaken new levels of strength and compassion in this time of enormous suffering. Such is the 'sacred mountain' around which readers are invited to journey during the first three parts of the book. Such too is the 'lake of self-reflection' at which, in the fourth part, we attempt to recognize the capacities we have gained through this mighty paradigm, to pioneer new ways through all that is threatening us from the future.