Are we witnessing or experiencing a shift in consciousness? We held an Obama party where I live, to watch the live coverage of the inauguration in Washington today. To have been one of the millions who stood in the audience must have been far more moving, but we got a sense of it here in England.

Will it make a difference that so many people around the world shared in America’s hopes for a better future? I think so. I was taught ‘Mass Psychology’ at university, which analyses how under certain circumstances, group-mind is possible. Today, we came together, around the world, and shared the aspirations of one man who has already achieved one dream. It was only for a short time, but it will have had an effect.

Perhaps we are witnessing a change in consciousness which will address some of the problems facing humanity. When we extend our life healthy expectancy by 30 years, we’ll make sure that others, currently less privileged than ourselves, share the benefits.