The author contends that with all the force of religious revelation, a self-evident truth has erupted into professional consciousness: the earth and its treasures are finite. And from that long since obvious proposition spring revolutionary consequences. It is suggested that the reason this obvious truth is just recently becoming a startling revelation is because we are approaching the limits of the earth's finitudes. This concept is oversimplified and overstated by the author in order to more sharply focus on the challenges to be faced. Although further economic growth is possible, it is suggested that the growth rate must of necessity slow down. Examples are cited of the ways in which this new state of affairs has begun to affect professionals and thus to penetrate their consciousness. Also cited are a number of areas such as the welfare system and the tax structure about which general public beliefs are myths. It is concluded that a necessary way for professionals to serve their clients is to become actively involved in the political arena. (BW)