the incident of our existence in this 
or that time and place is an expression
of our need
and state of being, or
an opportunity
for growth 
through an increase 
in understanding, service,
and compassion.

the human species is said to be divided
into seven great stages, called root races.
each root race represents
a major phase of development
in human consciousness,
for the whole great evolutionary panorama
is the result of the unfoldment
of consciousness through space and time-
not just the development of biological form.

the root races persist
for long periods of time,
and are said to go through cycles
of development and decline,
during which they manifest
seven distinct sub-types or sub-divisions.

ah, i grew up in one of those, in a mustard-colored house 
on a rectangular mound, they called mount zion
illinois.
mound, of