I believe that we are at a point in time, in terms of human events, that could be described as a crossroads, or a watershed moment. Where ever we head from here, there will be changes. The nature of those changes depends upon the direction that we choose to take.

The old financial system collapsed recently. The inbuilt flaws of that system were clear for all to see. Climate change (if we accept that the basic premise is correct) will drastically alter our lives, one way or another. Peak oil will also force many changes to the way that we do things. I don't think a lot of people understand how much of our western society is based on the internal combustion engine. Two of the most populated nations of the world are undergoing rapid economic changes that, in a world of diminishing resources, will impact the lives of all of us.

The renaissance was named that by modern historians, who were looking back at a time of rebuilding and rediscovery, that set the path for the modern world. I don't know what future historians will say of our time when they look back upon us. Perhaps they will see us as the time of collapse and the renaissance has yet to begin.

After all, were the citizens of Rome aware that their way of life was going to collapse and most of their achievements would be lost? Many may have seen the signs but they were still unable to stop the collapse.

So I think we now stand at the crossroads of history. The future is unclear.