History Blinks at Myopic Vision of the Universe

If Fukuyama’s bleak vision of life in the post-historical era had any significant probability of actually being realized, I agree that the end of history would be “a very sad time” indeed. It would certainly be very boring to live in a society geared solely to “the satisfaction of sophisticated consumer demands,” in which all the noble aspirations and sentiments that make life worthwhile are sacrificed on the twin altars of economics and technology.

But such need not be the case. In fact, if Fukuyama’s thesis is valid, the end of history will free humanity from the curse of international conflict, thereby allowing every individual the unparalleled opportunity to embark on the most exciting adventure of all--a journey through the uncharted wilderness of the human mind.

In their voyages through inner space--the true “final frontier”--people will still struggle for recognition. They will still require huge gobs of daring, courage, imagination and idealism. However, the focus of their efforts will not be a “worldwide ideological struggle,” but a personal and psychological one.

MICHAEL L. LIFTON, San Gabriel