This book is about some issues that are here now or rushing up to meet us. They include knowing what we want to do and whether we are achieving in the welfare area. It also includes a call for a sensible drug policy, for the better care and treatment of our old, for greater appreciation of the rights of patients, and for the coming shortage of jobs for all.

Peter Baume is a physician, former senator, professor, cabinet minister, university professor and chancellor of the Australian National University. He is now retired.

Customer Reviews

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Anonymous

Peter I can’t resist placing some aspects of your outstanding book on the range of issues confronting us in various stages of our lives, especially ageing. I am so grateful to you for sending it to me. I found it riveting and reread many paragraphs. Have decided to make notes to refresh my memory as issues enter my mind, especially as I age! I will mention a few of the notes that I have marked. Page 12 is correct in observing that many people are more concerned about their rights than about their obligations. And page 31 is important in outlining the fact that enormous profits are being made in the drug trade and that there is corruption in the police and magistracy. It would be excellent if the book is made available to State MPs so that they can take action via Parliament to expose and stop such crimes. A problem of course is corruption amongst MPs. Page 33 magnifies the problem. Corruption is increasing and so is the use of illegal substances. The problem really is serious. Governments, medical institutions and social services have to work together to find solutions for this declining mental health problem that leads to emotional distress to so many people. The chapter on More Unemployment outlines the challenges facing our communities. Pages 46-49 are especially important. The increasing rise of women in vital roles across a range of jobs and professions is most encouraging but it exposes the fact that men have been able to get jobs with less skill than some women now have. Hence men have to give far more attention to their skills. But the emerging trend for families is placing more pressure on them than ever before and is certain to extend. A serious problem for families and governments. Pages 48-49 amply this challenge. Page 49 places the challenge emphatically. Boring jobs will diminish but low skilled workers will not gain employment unless they are skilled to do the emerging jobs that follow modern technology. Yet, as Peter writes, “we need to train people to use leisure well”. Hard work must accompanied by healthy lifestyle. Peter’s chapter on Modern Medical Ethics is also excellent. His superb writing outlines challenges and solutions for us all. I can’t resist quoting his second last paragraph: “As a philosophical liberal, I will do all I can to empower more people and to prepare young professionals - doctors and social workers- who will work to empower people too. This may mean altering the dynamics of many interviews in the helping professions where we have presently a great disparity of power in favour of the provider. It will involve making people more aware of their rights and of their own capacity to have a role in all matters that involve them.