The Great Ship

Our civilization, which subsumes most of its [predecessors:predominant] , is a great ship steaming at speed into the [future:further] . It travels [faster:slower] , further, and more laden than any before. We may not be able to foresee every reef and hazard, but by reading her [compass:class] bearing and headway, by [understanding:drawing] her design, her safety record, and the abilities of her crew, we can. I think, plot a wise course between the narrows and bergs looming ahead. And I believe we [must:should] do this without [delay:display] . because there are too many shipwrecks behind us.