I participated in World War Two and so have experienced the focus of energy engaged in waging war. Now my commitment is to waging peace.

I believe that being human is a far more joyful and beautiful experience than the present dominant but outmoded framework of understanding allows us to recognize. In brief changing how we see will enable us to change how we act.

The impetus for this project began in a dream in which I was in conversation with two friends when in a moment of passion I cried out that people are going around without a clue on how the universe in which they are living really works according to the latest thinking of scientists and others who concentrate on such matters.

Upon awakening I thought there should be a book, now changed to a website, offering the 25 essential pieces of knowledge you need to know to embark on this new life of a richer human existence, and I knew just the friend I wanted to ask to write it: James Thornton.

James has lived deeply in both qualities this website seeks to encourage: ENRICHED UNDERSTANDING: He is executive director of a scientific organization operating at the frontiers of medical science and he was also a student of Maezumi Roshi, founder of the LA Zen Center, and the spiritual discipline and openings of those years are clear in his book A Field Guide to the Soul. ACTION: As an environmental lawyer he set up the Los Angeles office of the Natural Resources Defense Council, where his inspired initiatives helped preserve the undeveloped coastline down through Orange County. He fought 100 cases in the federal courts against corporate powers, and won every one of them.

Furthermore James is a poet. For me a deeper appreciation of beauty is a key element in our move towards richer understandings, and so I value our exploration being rich in beauty.

James in turn led me to the editor for this website, Martin Goodman. Martin is a gifted writer, adventuresome in spirit, clear of sight and of expression, wonderfully open and yet aware. To visit his website, MartinGoodman.com, is to understand how fortunate BiggestIdeas is to have him as the editor.

Finally let it be known that this project is funded through the Serendipity Fund of the Marion Foundation. I am a member of the Circle of this Foundation and the search for ideas such as those being explored in BiggestIdeas is a core activity of this Foundation.

I hope this website leads to vigorous dialogue, greater understanding and heartfelt action.

Richmond Mayo-Smith