19/06/2026
Our next Meeting
Friday 3rd July 2026
"Civilisation at the Threshold: Jung, Hawking and the Transition to 2050"
John A. Gillam
at MacKillop Conference Centre, 50 Archibald St, Lyneham, ACT 2602 (and by Zoom)
Are we living through a civilisational turning point?
In this thought-provoking presentation, John A Gillam explores the surprising convergence between the ideas of Carl Jung and Stephen Hawking — two thinkers from very different worlds who nevertheless shared deep concerns about humanity’s future.
Drawing on Jung’s Civilization in Transition and Hawking’s Brief Answers to the Big Questions, the talk examines the growing imbalance between technological power and psychological maturity. As artificial intelligence accelerates, institutions weaken, and social fragmentation deepens, both Jung and Hawking offer important insights into the challenges facing civilisation on the road to 2050.
Blending psychology, science, history, and civilisational analysis, this presentation asks whether humanity can adapt quickly enough — psychologically, morally, and institutionally — to survive the extraordinary powers it has created.
A compelling presentation for anyone interested in the future of civilisation and the human condition.
John Gillam, a retired librarian and former technology innovations officer at the National Library of Australia,
contributed to cost reduction initiatives by helping to implement an online national shared bibliographic database for publications.
His expertise extended to assisting in the development of the Australian national satellite system over a decade, eventually earning him the position of European Manager for a leading Australian telecommunications company. The latter part of his career was focused on Freedom of Information processing and contributing to government efforts in analysing foreign interference in Australia’s democratic systems.
In "retirement", John continues to actively engage with the ever-evolving landscape of information dissemination through various media, publications, and the internet.
John's recent books include:
* "Decoding Disinformation: Untangling the Web of Deception"
* "Decoding Antiquity Vol. 1: Challenging the Ancient Astronaut Myth"
* "Decoding Antiquity Vol. 2: Translating Ancient Texts"
* *Decoding Antiquity Vol 3: Twilight of Antiquity"
* "Decoding Antiquity Vol 4: "Building Civilizations - The Role of Empires"
* "Decoding Antiquity Vol 5: "Resilience 2050 - A Strategic Workbook for Leaders Building Organizations That Last"
* "NATO's Evolution",
* "ChatGPT Unleashed: Power Prompting and Content Creation"
* "ChatGPT for Beginners of All Ages"
* White Paper: "COP26 Outcomes: Code Red for Humanity"
.. and he's still thinking, researching and writing ...
Cost for attendance (at MacKillop House):
$20 (Seniors / Concession $15)
Pay cash at the door, or bank transfer or by credit card via TryBooking.
Cost for on-line access: $10
Pay by bank transfer or by credit card via TryBooking.
We meet from 7:30pm for tea and coffee and snacks, music, discussion and library.
The Guest Speaker's presentation is at 8pm for an hour or so, then we break for supper,
then we resume for questions and discussion, finishing by 10pm.
Details: www.canberrajungsociety.org.au
