The framework of these short volumes introduces the reader to the specific focus of each book. The accompanying poems and images offer an aesthetic and emotional experience.

This particular volume focuses on the emergence of the major religions in human societies and explores how these religions agree that compassion is among the highest of human virtues. This has become known as the Golden Rule--that one should treat others as one wishes to be treated oneself. However, evidence suggests that as humans we struggle to put compassion into action. Therefore, as we are exploring the Golden Rule, it is also necessary to examine the problem of evil.