What is the cost of conscious aware citizens? At what age can we confirm this? As Helmut charges forward into life, he begins to realize some the landmarks of change in his life are like planned disasters. Mostly, he is led by success, despite its controls. Technology is changing the world undeniably, but its timed application is what begins to get his attention. Also, because of the nature of daytime routine critical thinking is diminished quickly, and then forgotten. As disaster economics displaces imbedded cultures Americans are seeing shattering community changes. Helmut's father is an armed forces civil servant. He is sworn to country. What are the nurturing cues and consequences for the children? Obviously, the American family absorbs and enables the ones that survive bad choices. Some will say this book is an example of radical behavior modification. Incrementally, this book is a rite of passage for Helmut to leap forward in his thinking, pushing him sometimes dangerously. From the beginning, the question is "If man can be made predictable, can the adventure be man-made?" This series of short capers causes internalized shock, skepticism, and self-preservation. Elephant Step happens so naturally, or does it?