Book excerpt: This book tells the story of a new historical dialectic in the world between two parallel processes--construction and destruction. The author proposes that a constructive global collective consciousness began in the nineteenth century, and humanity has since progressed toward the achievement of a more just and peaceful world. Outworn and destructive mindsets--the root causes of war such as racism, nationalism, religious strife, gender inequality and extremes of wealth and poverty--have now been fully exposed and delegitimized. Unfortunately, those who have profited from these divisive attitudes will not give up without a fight. Amidst the blinding haze generated by the accelerating collapse of outworn mindsets and institutions, this book brings into focus the forward march of the constructive process toward peace, and the powerful role each of us can play in its realization.