In Chapter 7, the author describes the development of the human race as a collection of societies that are based upon man-made institutions for needs fulfillment. The author compares current with ancient societies in terms of their fundamental dependence: whereas ancient societies directly relied upon nature for the fulfillment of their needs, modern society relies upon institutions. When hungry, the modern person visits the appropriate commercial establishment to fill the need.
             Furthermore, modern life has become despiritualized. Ancient societies depended upon the mystical, spiritual and religious to explain their world and its manifestations. Modern scientists have demystified these manifestations, and provided explanations for everything. The ancient dependence upon the mystical higher power has also been replaced by the modern dependence upon science.
             According to the author, this dependence has created the problems of shortage and eventual destruction that humanity faces today. In attempting to fulfill institutionally created needs, scientific institutions have driven humanity and the earth to the edge of destruction. This is ironic, as the very attempt to create subsistence have resulted in mortal danger.
             The article however ends in a hopeful tone. The author identifies a group of "elite" persons arising like Prometheus from the ashes created by modern scientists. Like the hindsight indicated by the name "Epimetheus", Prometheus' brother, humanity can learn from their mistakes in the past, and look into the future with a sense of hope that refutes the inherent negativity of expectation. While humanity can therefore never return to the innocence of their ancestors, they can use their newly gained knowledge – the "ills" released by Pandora – to reclaim lost hope.
             ...