Written in 1969 or 1970, this essay presages the very dilemma the world finds itself in today. Kurt declares civilization's state of emergency, noting the ecological, political and social fragmentation and damage to human society, the planet and its inhabitants. He reviews the role of art in the development of civilization--how artists have been used and abused by those in power, but still manage to provide vision and impetus for positive change. This essay is an uncompromising and erudite indictment of "business as usual" in the 20th century, and remains highly relevant to those of us now living in the 21st century.
