What defines a unifying consciousness?

When, in the spring, the withered grey of the pastures gives place to green, this is due to the millions of young shoots, which sprout up freshly from the old roots. 

In like manner, the revival of thought, which is essential for our time can only come through a transformation of the opinions and ideals of the many brought about by individual and universal reflection about the meaning of life and of the world.

—Albert Schweitzer