We are living at a very special time in history when knowledge has been pursued to its apex so that we are given ultimate control over nature and society–yet this triumph of knowledge has brought us to the brink of destruction. We have learned how to split the atom but not to unite humanity. We have learned to reach the moon but not to our neighbor in need. We have learned about human society yet forgot about human relationships. We have learned to mass produce goods yet billions are hungry. As all things that rise must come down, the apex of our knowledge must recede in order for wisdom to come in. In this our imagination and compassion are going to be our best preparation. Now when global history is at the brink of major and comprehensive changes, myth and dreams for a better world become more powerful than facts. For all those who are experiencing the darkness of our world in hunger and oppression, hope becomes the greatest source of strength. Yet in all these multitude of processes, we must not forget to laugh at the beauty and mystery of it all. For laughter and liberation blend perfectly. With laughter you can die smiling. With joy you can see the face of God and live.
