The year 2007 is fading fast and the beckoning future is full of question marks.

An objective overview of the past hundred years is not wholly overshadowed by gloom. The indomitable spirit of man has led to many an achievement, even triumphs.

In the world of technology, progress has been remarkable, and inconceivable a century ago, in terms of diversity, productivity and quality.

In the world of science, progress has been even more startling, sometimes verging on the miraculous.

During the 20th century, most people in the democracies have become much better educated and – in general terms – better off. They have much more spare time in which to think about what goes on around them and, above all, they are much better informed.

First books, then newspapers, and then the wonders of radio, television and the internet feed them with ideas, facts and figures. In advanced democracies they are regularly asked their opinions on an increasing range of issues. Their representatives in parliament know they had better pay attention to what the opinion polls report.

The information age is in full bloom. After Yuri Gagarin’s first flight and the American moon landing, space has been opening up new vistas without limit.

In medicine, heart and organ transplants are common. People are living longer and the quality of life is improving

Mankind’s mood

But this progress is being achieved in patches. There are still large areas in the world where people suffer from famine and malnutrition, and the cruel side effects of poverty highlight the difference between the haves and the have-nots in rich and poor countries alike. In some of the emerging countries, progress is off and on, because of incompetence, corruption and political arrogance – and the cost of all this is visited on the common man in the form of taxation.

To this must be added the destabilising effect of phenomena like terrorism, drug dealing and fundamentalism, not to mention the population explosion in poor countries that are hotbeds of illegal migration and, in so many ways, a threat to peace.

What are we to make of mankind’s mood as the world assesses the prospects for the immediate years ahead?

It is not simply the scientific revolution and the emerging configuration of the information age that has transformed the pattern inherited from the past.

Equally sweeping have been the economic upheavals that resulted in the present day scenario. The impact of two world wars in one generation, the emergence and eclipse of totalitarian ideologies that held sway over millions of people, have radically changed the social structure and altered the balance of power on which European world hegemony rested for so long.

Many of Europe’s historic institutions have been blown away by the hurricanes of revolution and war. A new Europe has emerged and is stretching its muscles. A tide of oriental power is rising and a strong element of economic power is shifting to the Pacific Ocean.

Judeo-Christian tradition

This is of special importance to people in many parts of the world who inherited the tradition of Western culture. It raises the consideration as to whether the civilisation that will prevail in the fullness of this century will be open or closed to the influence of such values relating to liberty and humanity, the dignity of man and associated moral virtues.

The Judeo-Christian tradition has long been the established centre of the European culture context. The continuity and preservation of this heritage will be secure, and will survive, only if good men and true rally around in a world of turmoil

Is this feasible? Is it possible?

Our own age is one of transition in which the frontiers between East and West are changing and a new world is laboriously emerging from the ruins of the old.

What is important is not so much the superficial shift in the balance of power as the deeper changes that take place below the surface of events, and of which public opinion is not conscious while these changes take place imperceptibly. The “spiritual” forces on which the vitality of a civilisation depends often manifest themselves in ways that escape immediate attention, only to materialise in the fullness of their realisation.

Crucial issue

The crucial point at issue is whether values essentially related to the natural law and the rights of man will prevail in this new century.

Modern technology can be detached from humanist culture and misused to serve the interests of power. On the other hand, many scientists are aware of the contradiction between the humanist ideals that have inspired Western science and the consequences of the perversion of scientific technology used for destructive or evil purposes.

Today, the world is adrift between the Scylla of licentiousness and materialism and the Charybdis of poverty and despair. In some ways, there is the danger of a loss of moral moorings.

In some countries, science has been highjacked by scientists whose ethos of moral relativism has shrivelled the faith of millions and the will of the West.

On the other hand, the world increasingly needs scientists who stick to science, as the realities of climate change and its impact begins to sink in. A sensation is creeping fast that humanity has an emergency on its hands, unless the world’s major polluters fall in line to face what seems to be an onrushing emergency.

Climate change raises the stark issue of survival. As such, the issue is bound to claim priority considerations. The voice of science will demand – and merit – the closest attention.

But the destiny of mankind will ultimately depend on a trial of strength between folly and common sense.

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