Meaning of a text

Hi,

I'm not sure if I'm writing in the appropriate place to ask this question or not? if not please first forgive me and then guied me if you can.

Now my question:

A few days ago I read an article which its intruduction (about four first paragraphs) was really hard for me to understand. You assistance to understandnig it would be much appriciated.

Thanks a lot in advance.

The link to the article is:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15478001