The World Federation for Mental Health was founded as an international apolitical organization concerned with quality of life rather than merely the absence or prevention of mental illness. An examination of the manner and extent to which mental problems arise in different cultural settings can provide data needed to understand the relationship between cultural relativism and human beings. Criteria relevant to the quality of life and positive mental health concern self-actualization and personal growth, integration, autonomy, a correct perception of reality, environmental mastery, and the correctness of the self-concept. In many countries, problems of old age, violence and aggression, and changes in the status of women are issues requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Major issues which are international and inter-disciplinary in character include rapid social change, overpopulation, mass media and behavior, generational conflict, mental health and education, mental health and the law, ethnic relations, and international relations, peace, and war. The ultimate goal of mental health is to enable people to live together in one world. (NRB)