The views expressed in this book focus on man's values in Western civilization today. The authors explore the development of our values and examine their foundations in the attempt to see if they are based on concepts which are valid for contemporary society. Of central concern is the question of conflict.

The ten authors come from a variety of backgrounds. They were carefully selected in order to represent a wide spectrum of political, economic, and religious viewpoints. The articles are written by the speakers of the 32nd Couchiching Conference. The Conference was presented by the Canadian Institute on Public Affairs in co-operation with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at Geneva Park, Ontario, July 27-31, 1963.

T.E.H Reid is the Executive Secretary of the Canadian Institute of Public Affairs.

Timothy E.H. Reid's profile page

'It is not the purpose of the Couchiching Conference to reach decisions or pass resolutions … However, it was stimulating the spend four days witnessing the clash of intellectual between men of stature.' Robert Reford. Halifax Chronicle-Herald

'[Dr. Sartori's] thoughts on freedom and equalit will be well worth buying when they come out this fall in the Institute's book of the Couchiching Conference.' Ottawa Journal

'At the 32nd annuel Couchiching Conference, Professor Frank Underhill described nationalism as a form of juvenile disease in the world, not unlike the measles ... [He[ deplored the widening gap between the political leaders and the electorate, and the startling growth in the power of government bureaucracy. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix

'One of the most brilliant papers was delivered by Dr. Kaspar Naegele. His treatment of his theme, "Conflict within Society," was impressionistic, a series of penetrating observations ... [Professor Ethier-Blais'] prose seeded images into the mind which will be retained long after the Conference itself is forgotten.' Peter Desbarats, Montreal Star