Observations placeholder
Churchill, Winston - Prophesying the future and its dangers
Identifier
026724
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
As quoted in The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965
In 1932, Churchill’s book Thoughts and Adventures was published. In a collection of essays he predicted the atomic bomb and atomic powered electrification and the risks to humanity that came with this; he predicted bioengineering of crops and animals; he predicted television, which when it became a reality he detested and he also had this to say:
A description of the experience
Mr. Winston Churchill - Thoughts and Adventures
"Projects undreamed of by past generations, will absorb our immediate descendants; forces-terrific and devastating will be in their hands; comforts, activities, amenities, pleasures will crowd upon them, but their hearts will ache, their lives will be barren, if they have not a vision above material things.
And with the hopes and powers will come dangers out of all proportion to the growth of man's intellect, to the strength of his character or the efficacy of his institutions. Once more the choice is offered between Blessing and Cursing. Never was the answer that will be given harder to foretell…..
Without an equal growth of Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love, science herself may destroy all that makes human life majestic and tolerable. There never was a time when the inherent virtues of human beings required more strong and confident expression in daily life, there never was a time when the hope of immortality and the disdain of earthly power and achievements were more necessary for the safety of the children of men."