If the "hereafter" begins tomorrow and if those whose well-being
concerns us will probably be "alive" tomorrow, the science and art of
the future (futurology) takes its place beside other fields of theory
and practice as a must for all responsible members of the human race.
If the conditions presently existing in human society affordment, skills
and technical experience necessary to make significant changes, why
wait? Why not proceed forthwith to live a better life?
This dilemma has confronted individuals and sub-groups in various
civilizations. It has been particularly in evidence during periods of
decline and social disintegration. It has led people of both sexes and
all ages to uproot themselves from the old social order and reestablish
themselves in a social order "nearer to the heart's desire."
Such efforts have been described as "intentional communities" to
distinguish them from a traditional, currently existing social order
which emerged from the past encumbered with vestigial remains and
obsolete institutions and practices having little or no relation to the
needs and wants of a changing world.
Pilgrim Fathers in New England, William Penn in Pennsylvania, Lord
Baltimore in Maryland aimed to organize local intentional communities.
Similar efforts were made by the Mennonites, the Dukhobors, the
Hutterites, the Mormons in North America. The Christians during the
decline of Roman civilization led a movement to convert a large
geographical area to a new and better way of life.
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