Principles and aims of the New Atlantis Foundation

the positive value of each. In particular they must be able to show that it is possible to preserve the values of the past and yet allow the creation of new values, and to maintain the equality of all humanity at the same time as affirming the values and creativity of individual genius. Finally, by preserving their unity without any of them having to sacrifice anything, they must show that they are able to maintain the balance of the whole and achieve positive reconciliation in all conflicts, thus proving that the whole notion of self-sacrifice as a means of reaching human agreement is wrong and unnecessary. So they would form a group in which both the widest diversity of individuality and a real sense of equality and community would exist together; in which there could be both the continuity of a collective and the continual change which arises from the free working of individual initiative. Such a group would have no fixed formal organisation but would always be flexible.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the development of the personal qualities and relationships required for senate is a long-term objective and so too, necessarily, is the actual realisation of senate as a function in society. But the understanding of the need for it in the dangerously troubled state of the world is a matter of extreme urgency.

The New Europe Group had always laid great stress on the cultural significance of Europe and of the whole Western world. New Atlantis, with its clear Western connotation, was the name Mitrinovié gave to the cultural aspect of his work. In the 1930s he had published a quarterly journal ‘New Atlantis’, and after the war the New Europe Group sponsored regular lectures and discussions on aspects of religion, philosophy and science, the arts and education. These meetings were held from 1946 onwards in the name of the Renaissance Club, which was the public activity of the New Atlantis.

The New Atlantis Foundation was started as a charitable trust after the death of Mitrinovi¢ in 1953. Over a period of 25 years, 1954-1980, twenty Foundation lectures have been given, covering a variety of subjects, including some of the main philosophical and religious approaches to human life. Particular attention has been given to those thinkers whose ideas and thought are considered significant but whose work has been neglected or misunderstood, All these lectures have been published and they are distributed both through booksellers and directly. A full list of these is given at the end of this booklet. Work is now proceeding on the preparation of material for a book or several books by which it is hoped to reach a wider public.

Nevertheless the main activity of the Foundation, apart from publication, is