by Kathleen Delicato

Created on: September 15, 2010

THE TEN WORLDS- A DISCUSSION

Ten people, in various states of life, from the lowest to the highest, were having a discussion about the condition of the world in the coming twenty-first century. "Let us begin,"  said the mediator.

"I may as well start, " said a woman with cancer. "I see no hope for the future of the human race.I see no hope for myself. My disease is inoperable and I won't live to see the new century. Even if I was going to live, it will just be more of the same- war, poverty, no chance for people to make a better life. So why even try? Just accept the inevitable, that's what I say."The lady in the world of hell sat down.

"I can't agree with you, madam," said a sharp-faced man in the world of hunger. "The twenty-first century will offer more opportunities to fulfill my desires. I want it all- That's my philosophy. I want much more than I have now, and I'm going to get it." He sat.

"I don't see what all the big fuss is," spoke up the man in the world of animality. "We gotta go with our instincts. Nothing will change, really. It will always be the survival of the fittest. That will never change,"

"That really steams me." The woman-executive in the world of anger stood up. "I got where I am today by being smarter than anyone else in my company. Instinct had nothing to do with it. I'm going all the way in the new age- to the top of my company. Now, I create my environment. I'm the best and I know it. The twenty-first is going to be MY century. I'll show you all."

A serene looking man spoke next. "I think that if we can but maintain an even keel in life, not too far up , not too far down, life can be good.  Tranquility is the ticket, and not making waves."

"No, I think you're all wrong." The lady-evangelist said. "Love is the only way to improve the world. Love your friends, your enemies- if people do you wrong, just love them. If we can stay in this state of love the world will be saved."

"No, no," said the university professor. "People must spend all their time learning- thus there will be no time or inclination for negative activity. In the next century there will be even more information to absorb. We need to devote our time to amassing this knowledge." She sat down.

"Ah but ma'am, knowledge alone will not make the difference. It's assimilating and the realization of what to do with it, what kind of scientific breakthroughs, new innovations we achieve. Whether it benefits all people is even the point, new discoveries- that's

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