Translated from the German by Roland Everett and edited by Rhona Everett.

Our species is evolving in preparation for the new world on the horizon • Explains how the increase in intuitive, creative, and abstract-thinking abilities of children as well as incidences of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism signal evolutionary changes at work in humanity--the emergence of the Fifth Root Race • Connects the appearance of these traits with ancient myths and evolutionary calendars as well as predictions by Teilhard de Chardin, Edgar Cayce, and other visionary seers • Reveals how these “new kids” act as agents for world change by reflecting back every misguided aspect of business, politics, religion, and culture The past 30 years have seen a quantum leap in the intuitive, creative, and abstract-thinking abilities of children as well as an unprecedented rise in incidences of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorders. As P. M. H. Atwater explains, we are witnessing evolution at work. The changes in consciousness and brain function evident in these “new kids” signal the widespread emergence of the Fifth Root Race and, fortuitously, coincide with our transition into the Fifth World. Providing a resource for parents and new kids themselves, Atwater explains what is happening to our species and our world--from neurological changes and climate upheavals to the drive to be constantly “connected” through screen-based technology and the unnecessary widespread use of drug therapies. Sharing individual case histories underscoring the traits of the new-child personality, she reveals how these children, born with universal consciousness encoded in their DNA, act as agents for world change by reflecting back every misguided aspect of business, politics, religion, entertainment, technology, and culture so we can’t ignore what needs to be repaired. Atwater shows how children labeled as autistic or otherwise “damaged” have enormous potential for greatness. Connecting recent events and cultural shifts with creation myths, evolutionary calendars, and historical records from every culture as well as predictions by Teilhard de Chardin, Sri Aurobindo, Edgar Cayce, and other visionary seers, Atwater shows how the genetic shift now occurring follows the “Rule of Thirds” in its progression. Exploring timelines for the next several hundred years, she explains that the coming new world will be tailored specifically for the new kids, who will lead the way in the Great Shift from old world to new.

Shefali Tsabary's invaluable book shows how the challenges of parenting can become a great opportunity for spiritual awakening.

18 lectures in Dornach, January 9 - February 22, 1920 (CW 196) In the vast range of Rudolf Steiner's lectures, jewels of all kinds lie hidden in plain sight, awaiting only our discovery of them. Such lectures contain a kind of wisdom not found anywhere else. And sometimes, as in What Is Necessary in These Urgent Times, they also have a translucency and conviction that makes them transformational. In early 1920, political, economic, social, and spiritual chaos was everywhere. The old world had fallen apart and would need to be rebuilt. Anthroposophy, too, had to be remade. Recognizing this, Rudolf Steiner tirelessly working for the "threefold social order," establishing the first Waldorf school, helping to create businesses, and addressing the talented, educated, and idealistic young people who were beginning to turn toward Anthroposophy for answers. In these lectures, Steiner speaks in the new, direct "Michaelic" way, seeking the path to a new way of doing Anthroposophy. Throughout the critical situation of the time, he never lost his sense of humor or his compassion and equilibrium. His tone is warm, relaxed, and intimate. Rather than following a strictly predetermined path, he speaks directly from the heart about what concerned him. He stresses that the task of spiritual science is to awaken us to reality and to a true understanding of life that sees through illusions and understands the ever-present potential of evil. Speaking both esoterically and exoterically, he returns repeatedly to the importance of community, of meeting one another face-to-face, heart-to-heart, as individuals. Thus, rather than seeking power and control, we are called to cultivate trust and receptivity. This takes a spiritual transformation. We must learn to live this present life in the context of our greater spiritual life, which extends from before birth through earthly life and into the life after death that precedes our next birth. At the same time, we must come to know the Christ, who is to be met only in community. Selfishness, egotism, has no part in the new way: "When someone is alone Christ is not there. You cannot find Christ without first feeling a connection to humanity as a whole. You must seek Christ on the path that connects you with all humankind.... To be connected only with your own inner experiences leads you away from Christ." Steiner deals with many other important themes, as well, including "imperialism," the initiate behind Shakespeare, Bacon, and James I--makers of our modern age--and well as fascinating, initiatory remarks on reincarnation, esoteric physiology, and psychology. Running throughout the talks is the earnest admonition to be true to the spirit and the call to come to our senses and not fall prey to self-pity. Now, as it was then, the world needs us to be awake spiritually, and we need the world to be awake spiritually. There is nowhere to hide. What Is Necessary in These Urgent Times is a translation from German of Geisitige und soziale Wandlungen in der Menschheitsentwikelung (GA 196).