An Introduction to Fragrant Garden, Fragrant Garden is the proposed name of the human homeworld. It is an indication of the vast potential of the human species. This is something very different from perfect utopia. Simply ending the Cold War released such energy that populations depressed for a generation awoke to a sense of almost limitless possibilities. That point in human history bears intent scrutiny, especially in consideration of the means and methodology whereby the benefits bestowed on humanity were transmuted. How did it happen that once again the species slipped into contentious conflict and attitudes accepting the division of this world into warring camps? Fragrant Garden will consider not just some specific conservative program to perpetuate the American military-industrial complex, so apprehensively drawn to the attention of the American people by President Eisenhower. Nor will it look only at the continued hold by fundamentalist clerics of all faiths on their co-religionists. These are specific features of something that requires a general and more inclusive analysis. Of course, there are such fundamentalists clinging to a particular literalist priority of scriptural passages enabling conflict. There are also those with vested interests in maintaining the above mentioned military-industrial complex. There are others very much determined to increase specific company influences, even at the cost of wars. It has been said that such aspects of modern life as the expensive cancer deaths benefit both the manufacturers of cigarettes and those producing the highly lucrative pharmaceuticals absorbing such a high percentage of health expenditures. Thus, enormous resistance to real beneficial change exists. Fragrant Garden is primarily concerned with fundamental causes of such considerable disregard of the public good. What is it about the human animal that propels individuals of the species to assess individual advantages in terms contrary to the wellbeing of the species? A close examination at the physical structure of the human brain, taking into account the other animals resident on this planet, would seem to suggest inclinations to self acquisition, to interpersonal conflict, to tribal identification predate humanity. Forerunners of humans, predecessor species have bequeathed physical neuronal ways permitting such anti-social attitudes and behaviours. Humans also have inherited and can learn lessons more advantageous than the training generations have had in religious and economic intolerance. It is worthy of note that often the more destructively oriented, intent at any cost to exercise influence, are able to find their way (by hook or by crook) into powerful offices. History has provided numerous examples of this situation. Fragrant Garden is both a basic consideration of the hard wiring and the education going into species destructive beliefs and patterns of behaviour and an analysis of the means whereby humanity may remedy these defects. First, comes the recognition that propaganda inciting competition is contrary to human communal interest. Then comes focus on the interest of humanity. Fragrant Garden examines honestly the extent to which humans are preprogrammed by genetics, programmed by education systems and by the advertising campaigns of those with vested interests in ongoing contention, in continuing deficient medical practices, etc. Fragrant Garden indicates some human responsibility to attain the harmony of the species and then to safeguard it from throwbacks. Also, there remains the vast potential of an intelligent species, acting for its own good, utilizing fully its people resources, its population healthy, peaceful, prosperous, energized within a growing civilizaion. In my opinion, such a species would collectively rejoice in its African heritage and honour the sacred home continent of all. With this understanding, it seems very reasonable to locate the capital of the planet close to where humans are thought to have evolved. Thus, Nairobi may more befittingly host the UN headquarters. This suggestion is in keeping with a spirit of honouring the ancestors of all humans. In a worldview that focuses on co-operation, insight, goodwill and understanding, such could easily, harmoniously occur. Fragrant Garden envisages the human species increasing arable land and enhancing moderate weather throughout much of Africa and much of other areas at present close to uninhabitable. Fragrant Garden is a planet within a solar system. Naturally, once it is in basic harmony humans will be drawn throughout that solar system. Essential science enabling quicker movement throughout that volume of space, shielding from cosmic rays and larger objects, addressing the psychological interaction of people in small groups, etc. is a prerequisite for such human exploration.

This has been only an introduction of the concept of Fragrant Garden as examining the human condition, past, present and future. In time to come, further thoughts, more precise details may be included. In keeping with the spirit of human potential, I'll add that ideally the completed book will be composed in the Chinese language. China for milennia has been the most literate human society. A truly global human civilization may very well include much of benefit from China. All the Best, Michael McKenny December 18, 2007 C.E. with a few lines about space exploration added on March 8, 2008 C.E.