Taking readers into desert monasteries and Sufi enclaves, where the author speaks with the Grand Sheik of Islam, the Coptic Bishop of Youth, the Archbishop of St. Catherine's and numerous other wise leaders, this book vividly captures ancient cultures whose very existence is threatened by global homogeneity. Adding a chorus of exotic voices to the debate over what our future holds, this book displays the extraordinary wisdom, humanity and humour of spiritual leaders rarely seen by the West.