Human beings are prone to error. So much so, that often our messages about ourselves are entirely cynical about our capacity as human beings to foster a just, peaceful and prosperous future. Our popular culture is full of negative assessments of humanity. A recently popularised example is the words J.R.R. Tolkien placed in the mouth of the elf Elrond: “Men? Men are weak. […] It is because of men the ring survives.” The ring, of course, representing men’s lust for power. It is a one eyed view of human beings – a potentially paralysing view.  And indeed in Tolkien’s world, human qualities of love for simple things, friendship, and loyalty…