The Five Ages of Humanity

<p><strong><em>Back in print after 60 years!</em></strong></p><p><em>The Five Ages of Humanity</em> (a revised and retitled edition of <em>The Five Ages of Man</em>) is the 1964 masterwork by influential author historian and philosopher Gerald Heard (1889-1971). Heard explores many parallels between the historical development of human consciousness and the life of an individual. He maintains there are five stages through which human consciousness evolves.</p><p>With a new foreword by noted educator Thomas Armstrong PhD and two notable new endorsements <em>The Five Ages of Humanity</em> promises to reach a new generation of readers with its endless wealth of ideas.</p><p>In his foreword Dr. Armstrong praises Heard's book as This incredible synthesis this rich feast this sumptuous festival of ideas. ... Heard argues that historical consciousness progresses along a course that mirrors a similar pattern in individual development. Taken as a guide to the human life cycle <em>The Five Ages of Humanity</em> includes a staggering range of progressive ideas and practices for the optimal development of each stage of life from birth to old age.</p><p>In Heard's words By extending and applying the already accepted principles of phylogeny and ontogeny [to] the social and personal history of man a real psychological interpretation of history can be made. History can now be seen as the reflection cast by the evolving consciousness of [humanity].</p><p>Heard contends that humankind's consciousness has evolved in five distinct stages each of which recapitulates a historical epoch. Each of these stages has a dysfunctional characteristic that handicaps the individual and the human species. Heard proposes ways by which each dysfunctional characteristic might be remedied through various practices.</p><p>This newly updated authorized edition of <em>The Five Ages of Humanity</em> includes new tables; an expanded glossary; a new editor's preface and afterword; corrections to various spelling formatting and factual errors; and additional minor edits.</p>