Coming of Age at the Millennium: Embracing the Oneness of Humankind

Moving into the twenty-first century, humanity is in a far different condition than it was at the last turn of the century. Mind-boggling changes have taken us from horse and buggy to manned spaceflights to the moon, enabling us to see the planet we live on from outer space. As a result, the provincialism of nationhood is giving way to a growing sense of globalism. Humanity stands at the threshold of a reality that has always existed but which has never before been recognized by the masses: the oneness of humankind.

Explaining why so many people are unaware of this reality, Rutstein exposes myths that have fractured the family of man. He examines frankly the role of revered philosophers and scientists as well as that of religion in perpetuating distorted views. To prove his point, he cites the findings of modern geneticists, anthropologists, and biologists and examines spiritual proofs of the oneness of humankind.

Pointing out that all human beings are endowed with the capacity to recognize their oneness and that all have a responsibility to be a force for unity wherever they may live or work, Rutstein explains how this capacity can be developed.

Aware of the formidable obstacles barring universal acceptance of this principle, Rutstein offers powerful evidence that they will indeed be overcome. Though he dares to dream about what life will be like when most people have internalized this profound reality, his dream is not mere wishful thinking. Based on his clear understanding of mans social evolution, Rutstein asserts persuasively that the next logical step in human progress is the internationalization of our planet. The end result, he suggests, will be global acceptance of the essential oneness of all people, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender, or culture, and the realization of universal peace.

Nathan Rutstein is a Kellogg Foundation Expert in Residence on Racism and a founder of the Institutes for the Healing of Racism and has lectured at scores of universities and government institutions. A former journalist, college educator, and filmmaker, he is the author of fifteen books, two of which have been cited as outstanding books on human rights by the Gustavus Meyers Center for the Study of Human Rights in North America.