Back Cover Text: If you assume the progression of humanity points to a pattern, then nearly everything you encounter in life is a piece of data in the puzzle of mankind's fate. Does it paint a doom and gloom prospect or is it going somewhere amazing? Matthew Sexton's debut novel is a glimpse into the evolution of humanity and its inherent potential going forward. The goal to marginalize pessimism and negativity is critical to our efforts of progression. But it is not just optimism or wishful thinking that Sexton professes; it's realism based on the wonders of the modern world. Knowledge and its results, such as technology and standardized practices which have proven their worth, are not the products of a single individual's efforts but a "collective consciousness," a concerted, connected effort that portends an extraordinary future of boundless possibility. There is no reason to assume this progress is reaching its boundaries or even that they are in sight. Thought provoking and sound in principle, Utopia Rising probes without cynicism and with a desire for deeper understanding of the overall complexity, interrelatedness, and nature of our beings. It then goes on to offer suggestions on how to maximize the efforts toward the long range goals and thoughts on what will eventually prove to be the ideals of a future built by mankind's incredible ability to achieve. Author's Description: The first half of the book looks to the future by considering the distant past and where the long view suggests we are heading as a species. It also points out certain aspects of society that are in need of change, and makes suggestions on how to bring them into better light. The last half of the book considers society's view of its governance and the expected changes for the distant future. Primarily, the question is put forward as to what defines civility in society and what methods of social function will prove to be the most ideal. Hopefully, it is a social commentary somewhat detached from day-to-day events. Events too often focused on, to the extent that all other issues are excluded from the question of humanity's fate. The answer to which, could have serious implications on day-to-day life and society's long range goals. In the forest of our history and potential futures (the macroviews) we are often too close to the trees (our microviews). The combination of such varied views brings resolution to the picture of the real, a picture we need in as much clarity as possible if we are to chart an effective course to the future we seek.