Frequently Asked Questions

The following are questions I regularly encounter in interviews, the Q&A sessions following my public presentations, and queries from colleagues. Answers sometimes include links to other resources, including those on this website. This is a work in progress. I will continue to add questions with my answers as I have time.

Each answer offers a place for your comment. Although I cannot commit to respond to comments and/or questions, I welcome thoughtful reflections and constructive suggestions.

Most of the issues discussed below are treated in greater depth in The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community. My article on "The Great Turning" in the Summer issue of YES! magazine summarizes the arguments.

Change Strategy

• Don't the institutions of Empire hold all the power?
• What about corporate control of media?
• No one gives up power voluntarily. Isn't violence inevitable?
• Given the urgency, don't we have to work through the existing system?

Democracy

• Why do you call the United States a plutocracy?

Earth Community

• What will Earth Community look like?

Economy

• Why do you call money history's most successful con game?

Prospects for Success

• Won't things have to get a lot worse before people will be motivated for change?
• The changes you call for our daunting. Do we have time?