CHAPTER ONE

In a world whose inhabitants are capable of destroying themselves and their planet, I would suggest then, that to encourage the development of the strongest possible individual commitment to living together in peace, is the purpose of this writing. As individuals we must find the way! And then sell it to our religious, political, union, and business leaders! WE MARIONETTES MUST NOW TAKE CONTROL OF OUR OWN STRINGS! If we turn the parade around the corner, our leaders will soon catch up with us and lead us in the direction we want to go!

Shakespeare said "All the world's a stage". I don't know about you, but I don't like the current play! There are too many senseless conflicts and wars in it. There are too many starving people and too few people who care and nobody knows what to do about it. There are too many leaders who don't know or don't care where they are going or what they are doing or what they are doing to the rest of us in the process. There are too few individuals who think for themselves. There are too many enemies and not enough friends! What are we going to do about it, you and I?

First, you will want to know something about me and from where my thoughts are coming.

Second, I will define nine basic problems I see in the world, and offer nine suggested solutions.

Third, I will offer twenty-four axioms as a basis from which to start over and from which you and I might better face the challenges of our world.

Fourth, I will offer a code for you to consider as a supplement to your present beliefs... one that includes your beliefs as well as those of many others. I am looking for the common ground... not for where we disagree, but for where do agree! You may be amazed at how much we all have in common! This code is intended to melt away some of the barriers that now exist and draw us all closer together. Please shape your piece of our world so it fits in the peace puzzle and not the war puzzle! It's your choice. Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

Fifth, I will urge you through "Our Missions and Goal" statement found in Capter 7, to enlarge your horizons by drawing a larger circle of concern in your mind to care for ALL the people of the world. But for the fate of birth, we could have been born "on the other side." I invite you also to join us on "Our Side" which we call "UP" for United People of the World with its five missions and one goal. We don't have to change sides or leaders... we have to focus our thinking and their thinking on that which all human beings have in common, and away from our differences! Doesn't that make common sense? We must join hands in one LARGER circle that includes ALL HUMAN BEINGS and define and face our COMMON ENEMIES TOGETHER (SEE AXIOM TWELVE). If we look for a fight, we will find it. If we look for peace together... WE WILL FIND IT!  IT'S YOUR CHOICE.