ABSTRACT
As the world entered the postmodern age, early in the twentieth century, a number of historical events transformed the modern world. The First World War was a horrific event, tearing apart the political, economic, and social fabric of Europe. Millions died, empires were destroyed, and psychological thinkers like Freud and Jung seriously questioned their positive, hopeful views of human nature. A new breed of philosophers, like Sartre and Foucault, pushed the idea that truth was largely a matter of who held power to control a narrative and that ultimately what was real was subjective and relativistic rather than objective and empirical. People began to question many of the institutions, values, and beliefs that had previously given them meaning and stability in a changing world. Society was changing so fast that people began talking of generation gaps, yearning for the “good old days,” and seeking escape from the stress through drugs, cults, radical political movements, and self-help books. Looking back seemed preferable to looking forward, with fears of nuclear war, pollution, global climate change, and a social landscape that was increasingly unfamiliar and unpredictable. Despite this, many remained hopeful, focusing on the positive aspects of the changes around them, including a more egalitarian attitude about people, respect for and even celebration of diversity, the breakup of the colonial system, an appreciation for the blessings of modern science, growing wealth, and ultimately hope that humanity could address its problems and move forward on a trajectory of progress and enlightenment.
