Final answer:
The 'day of reckoning' in the quote signifies a future moment when society must face the consequences of its actions and address crises or systemic issues. It emphasizes the importance of proactivity, foresight, and responsible planning to prevent such a crisis and advocates for collective action towards societal transformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote 'But we must try to postpone the day of reckoning as long as possible, and try to arrange society so that it never comes' is discussing the idea of a societal crisis or a critical moment where the current way of life or social order may be disrupted or changed. In a metaphoric sense, the day of reckoning refers to a time when the consequences of a society's actions must be confronted, and the existing issues must be resolved. This could relate to a myriad of social, environmental, or economic crises predicted based on current trajectories.
In various excerpts provided, the common theme is the need for foresight and proactive measures to prevent such a crisis. It involves dealing with societal problems that persist over decades, guarding the principles of liberty, understanding the gravity of social issues, and being prepared to adapt to the physical world with realistic planning. It raises philosophical questions about the purpose of societal progress and the potential for an ideal or hopeful future.
Especially considering the quote about needing a credible global plan to address fundamental problems, it underscores the urgency to respond to the looming problems with viable solutions and not just wishful thinking. Whether it's social injustice, environmental concerns, or the balance of power, these excerpts advocate for a collective effort to avert an eventual breakdown (the day of reckoning) by engaging in meaningful transformation.