Particularly noteworthy is an
Introduction of more than a hundred printed pages, Part I, _The
Development and Application of Scientific Knowledge_, and Part II on
_The Transformation of Societies_. Events surrounding the war of 1914-18
are correctly described as "a turning point in world history." (Vol. VI
p. 11)
World revolution is one aspect of present-day society. From our present
vantage point we cannot tell how far it will go or what it will do to
humanity and its present habitat.
Advances in science and technology have provided mankind with a new
stage on which to go through a new act and speak a new piece. What
effect will they have on the institutions and practices of western
civilization? Have they rendered the forms and functions of civilization
obsolete? Or can western civilization adapt itself or be adapted to the
very difficult situation created by the revolution through which human
society is presently passing? Can western civilization be reformed to
meet the new historical situation created by the great revolution or
must it be rejected and replaced?
If the institutions and practices of western civilization can be
adjusted to meet the demands of the new situation created by the
scientific, technological, political and cultural revolution, the
reformed social apparatus may function in a new day that is dawning for
the human family. If reform proves to be impossible, the apparatus of
western civilization must be replaced by a social structure in keeping
with the requirements of the new age inaugurated by the innovations
introduced into the human culture pattern by the revolution of our time.
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