Freeconomy Blog
Sun
15 Nov
My decision
| 29 comments |
It has been a long time since life has been normal in my world; then again, what are we actually trying to communicate when we use the word 'normal'? The free dictionary states it means "conforming with, adhering to, or constituting a norm, standard, pattern, level, or type; typical." So buying a ready meal from Tesco or Walmart (or your country's equivalent retail juggernaut) would be considered normal under this definition today; but is that really normal behaviour for intelligent human beings?
Life has been particularly abnormal for the last while though, with the Freeconomy Feastival 2009, the book, the recent Guardian articles - and the inevitable interviews, emails and requests that result from both - coming on top of what was already an insane schedule. I've been starting at 6am and finishing at 11.30pm for about three weeks solid now; then again, not much different than what peasant farmers in less privileged countries have to do most of the time just to survive, so I ain't complaining.
What I have found interesting (and hence why I am writing about this, so bear with me) is that in the last few weeks lots of people have come to me and told me that I need to slow down. Which is really touching and so nice that people give a shit, to be frank. However, it also provides an insight into the minds of all of us who are not driven by the greed for more.
One of the main reasons I believe that positive social change is coming slower than many of us say we would like, is because the soldier of peace, the Satyagrahi of Gandhi's India, has long since stopped being as brave as the soldier of war. Think about it - when soldiers of war go into battle they are prepared to die for it. They don't want to but they will if they have to. Many of the soldiers of peace nowadays don't even want to give up coffee or chocolate. By the way, if you are wondering why imported foods has got anything to do with peace, question where the oil that delivers them to our plates comes from.
I don't think any army general in Iraq or Afghanistan would scowl one of their troops for fighting too hard. I also doubt any Chief Executive of the world's largest banks would tell one of their high flying employees to not push themselves so much; these organisations make their huge profits from ambitious wannabies doing exactly that!
Those who are actively engaged in causing the mess that the planet - and most of our societies - are in, go for it 100%; they want it all. And they are the overwhelming majority. So how on earth do the overwhelming minority think that they can counteract that, and even clean up the mess, without at least giving exactly the same amount of effort (I was going to fall into the cliched trap of saying 110% but, by definition, that is not possible).
We need to aim for zero disparity between 'our head and hearts' and 'our hands'. If we believe in something, we need to do it, and with all our strength. As Hillel once said, "If not you, then who? If not now, then when?". We are at a critical point in history, and if we, as a species, aren't prepared to peacefully stand up for what we believe in, then what is the fate of our children going to be? Is that grim fate something we are willing to bear for the sake of a little discomfort?
So I've decided that from now on I am going to get really greedy. I want it all. I am greedy for peace; I want to get as much of it as I can get my dirty little hands on. I am greedy for as much respect for the planet as I can grab. I am greedy for compassion and empathy - I want way more of both of those badboys in my world! And I'm hellbent on increasing my love bank account and I ain't stoppin' until I get there!
All this hecticness has meant, however, that I've still not had time to write up the plan for the real life Freeconomy Community that is the logical next step for this project. So instead I've decided to postpone publishing this plan until mid January 2010, as it needs a lot of consideration and thought, both of which I have no space for now. So I hope you can bear with me until then, I can promise you it'll be worth waiting for.
I've decided to go for OPTION 4 by the way (just thought I'd quietly slip that in there and hope it doesn't get noticed too much). Genuinely though, I am really sorry to anyone who feels disappointed or let down by my decision to not go for option 3, I really do understand your points and the idealist in me agrees wholeheartedly. Like everything it is subject to change, so I am still persuadable.
I think though that most who have commented to say that they believe it would no longer be a moneyless community if I bought the infrastructure for it (i.e. the land) aren't aware that I bought the infrastructure for this online tool for the freeconomy community (i.e this website we are interacting about this subject on right now) by selling my houseboat to pay for it. Does the fact that I originally paid for the website negate the fact that it now enables people to move towards a more moneyless life and to rebuild resilient communities today? Or is the work that it is doing right now all that is important? There are important parallels to be examined here.
In years past, slaves often had to buy their freedom in order for their kids to be free. Is a once-off payment acceptable? I still don't know.
Please don't take any of the soldiers of peace stuff as a criticism of those who already do so much (and shouldn't have to do any more) by the way. It genuinely isn't. Many work harder than any corporate boss I know of. And I've got my bad habits too. I just want us all to start pushing our own boundaries and to explore what is possible. Tiredness pales in comparison to extinction. Sometimes we just cling to comfort a little bit too much; so what if we're a bit tired? One child every two minutes dies from starvation; puts it in perspective really.
And anyway. It's just a ride. With huge potential for beauty. So get on. And it beats the hell out of Big Brother.
THE FREECONOMY BLOG is written by Mark Boyle, founder of The Freeconomy Community. Mark is currently living without money for a year.
Comment on this Post:
zach comments ...
nice post. it's all about balance bro. we are all one being on this planet, and as soon as we start to realize that, instead of focusing on our 'one exterior self', things will start to balance out a bit better. right now most all of us focus on the outer not the inner-self. I don't know exactly how to do that myself, nor do I always know what I am trying to say, but I know that the answer is out there. Hopefully we find it sooner than later. Keep up the good work.
Also, you may have heard of this already, but I saw this the other day and it reminded me of your cause. sometimes I fear all of our causes may be canceling each other out, so we should all work together :)
www.thestoryofstuff.com
peace friend
Redd comments ...
I do worry that a big part of your message and discoveries from the the real life Freeconomy Community will be diluted when the whole project is only made possible with money and the concept of land ownership. I can see where you are coming from, that this new venture will just be the starting point, like your website and buying your solar panel. We are all starting at the point of having money, to a greater or lesser degree, so we could all use the money we have now to purchase tools which enable us to need money less in the future. The problem I see is that people could just think, "well it's alright for him, he had loads of money to set it up, but I havent got any spare cash to set up such a project." Maybe your message is aimed at the middle class who rely more on money now but I think you must also consider the people who have less. I think your proposed way of life is a route to freedom for people who feel trapped into a way of life (jobs they don't like, not enough time spent with loved ones, etc) imposed on them by lack of money.
Mark Boyle comments ...
@ Redd - I am hoping for the opposite. I hope that seeing the example of the first one will inspire other landowners to donate their land and set up similar communities.
Even if I didn't use money and got it donated, people would still say "that's fine for him, he got his land donated because..."
Having said all that, I simultaneously agree with you. This is just my best guess, I may be wrong and often am.
richnfamous comments ...
I understand where you're coming from when you say you're not going to 'slow down'. I don't know if you've ever 'burned out' but it's not good for anyone, and especially the people around the 'burner' before the burnout forces them to stop.
Go for it, by all means, but realise that 1. you're not indispensable, and 2. if you step back, you offer an opportunity for someone else to fill the space and gain skills. Maybe this busy time is a phase - I hope so.
Just don't burn out, dude.
Callum comments ...
Dear Mark,
I believe you're trying to use the same method as the "other side" but promote a different message. I believe, it is the method AND the message of the "other side" that is the issue. Personally, what does one gain if one swaps fighting 110% for money to fighting 110% for peace / freedom / insert value here. One gains righteousness, precious little else.
To believe one is making a difference in the world is to experience megalomania. The arrogance required to believe one knows what is "right" for the rest of the world is the same set of values that creates CEOs, corporate ladder climbers, and so on.
What peaceful resistance can exist without personal peace? Peace, in my world, is not waking at 6am and working till 11:30pm.
It seems our values differ significantly Mark. I wish you all the best in your endeavours. I hope you find a personal peace.
As a slight aside, there seems to be a problem with the feed for this blog. The body text of each post has disappeared, now each item only contains a title. The title of this very post is not the same as the title of the post on the blog.
Warmly - Callum.
PS> I may not see replies in the comments as I don't see the option for email notification of replies. I recommend checking out WordPress / buddyPress, it's state of the art, free, blogging and social networking software.
solan comments ...
Gandhi got up at 4, what are you doing in bed til 6?!? Seriously though, it's great that things are taking off and you are rising to the challenge and taking up the leadership.
Stephi comments ...
"We need to aim for zero disparity between 'our head and hearts' and 'our hands'. If we believe in something, we need to do it, and with all our strength. As Hillel once said, "If not you, then who? If not now, then when?" "
Mark, i love this, thank you for posting your thoughts. I've just booked my five train journey to Stockholm where i'm going to study next semester. To me the 48 hour trip is an enviro -adventure, to my Mum and friends it's madness - the flight is a tenth of the price (due to Ryanair's current sale - literally) and takes two hours.
Then, after booking my journey from Scotland to Sweden, I see that a friend from the States, a fellow environmentalist, has plans to fly over from the States to observe and soak up the atmosphere for three days of the discussions at Copenhagen. Was I really going mad? Were we still living in an age where that was acceptable? Was I a complete fool for not taking the short, cheap flight instead of my two day marathon?
Reading your blog reminded me that no, I wasn't a fool, I was just in the minority. Disparity between our heads, hands and hearts is of ultimate importance in this fight - actions can speak louder than words.
Keep it up dude, you inspire me.
jane.baker comments ...
Brilliant and thoughtful, thank you Mark. I'm dedicating a piece of art to you. Its called "No strings attached". I'll show you it on Tuesday.
Its a sculpture of bleached (think coral) fish swimming in a sea of nail varnish and blue plastic, constrained by string, one small fish however has broken free and is showing the way forward. That's you Mark. Love you.
Matt Hill comments ...
Mark. (Please excuse the poor spelling, im dyslexic, but its my thoughts that matter!)
There is no doubting you are passionate about your cause, and thats allways something to be admired.
It is my opinion that buy taking such a radical stance, you alienate more than you attract. The extreamist will gather support from those already inclined to that way of thinking, but by virtue of being extream, will be ignored by the masses. Anybody that describes themselves as a soldier of peace is a little too militant for my taste in global issues.
It is the small changes made by the masses that will add up in the end. We live in global times, and i dont think that will ever change. But i hope our methods, usage and attitude will. To say i was technocentric in its pure sense would be inaccurate, but i do believe that the future should be a technological progression, and within that i include ecomomy. I agree the best things in life (peace of mind, closeness to nature) are free, but im assuming the computers used to access this website are not one of them, and they could have never exicted without money. Money itsself is not an evil, it is mearly a tool. But what it enables people with little or no consciance to do, the greed, the excess, the opulance, that is the evil. No man should live in opulance while another struggels to survive.
Using the example of slaves buying freedom somewhat skips past the issue of the aborational inhumanity that was the slave trade. For me, it is humanity that is the greater cause for a change in way of life. Your point on degrees of freedom between consumer and producer, and who profits in between, i absolutly agree with. We do need to be closer to our sources, but closeness dosent have to mean geographicly. A closenes of conscience would have the same effect, so long as the movement was environmentall sound.
There is alot of what i would describe loosely as "hippy talk" on here. "Inner and outer self", "at one with the world" "personal peace to acheve world peace". How much of this is living up to stereotype, i cant tell on a website, but I perfer to talk more planely.
People matter.
I hope i am not alone in my opinions. I think what your doing is fanstasic, and i follow your story with great interest.
Matt Hill
jason palmer comments ...
do you like my youtube video, related to my poem about john ruskin ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLDbwHKIU9I
jason palmer comments ...
an organic farm, that's what you need, then you can offer guests WOOFing
Wayne comments ...
Option 4 for me is by far the best option. Once off the ground the benifits of a community working together in unison will out-weigh the fact that you had to spend to secure the foundations.
George comments ...
Sorry if I go on here: I see what you're saying M. And a lot of people would say 'Arh you're just thinking too much Mark! Forget about saving the planet, get out there and do what you enjoy!' (even if you think you do enjoy all that thinking) But to be truthful, they've probably stopped their positive thinking because, and as you near-enough put it, 'are already comfortable in their ways', they've lost hope and let themselves be controlled by the establishment cause it's easy and life is short, ridiculing the truth because it sounds so simple; it's staring at them every day, it just can't be reached they think, then forget about it and go down pub. Change is always the hardest thing to accept because we all want to have control of something, and that takes time. A change switches a lot of people off because of 'fear of the suffering for the unknown' And many people existing today are unhappy and diseased, why would a happy and healthy person want to go to war and kill people? They don't know how to be happy and how to love and accept things cause their 'conditioned at birth ego' kicks in. All they want are organisations, in order to make money for themselves as we know. Yet they've got the masses, convinced by their ways. So, how do you/we get a switched off nation to wake up and maintain conviction for a sustainable; a truthful life and get your vision happening right away? There's a lot of apprrectiation for it. And is it your/our job to dwell on that? It's not about comparing yourself to how other's work and constantly asking yourself circular questions about moral rights about money. A happy person belongs to themselves, and you've made a decision to go with it, (it may change, don't matter) now go for it with joy and then tiredness will become something else that you don't have to think about! alll the best x
florelly comments ...
`O me main man. Hitting the nail on da head as usual. Thank you for the kick up the proverbial. Agree with nearly all of it too. For me, the money thing means we start where we are, not in the future, so buying our way into eg, a website or land is the start but probably (almost certainly) not the end. Perhaps of several of us contributed to the land purchase it would cease to be so "owned" and that would take a load of the expectations and the potential for criticism might be lowered. And the communal need for a starting place would be fulfilled maybe. Thanks for the marching orders! xx
tarsila comments ...
my comment probably has little to do with the actual post...its more of a thinking question...
i'm going to assume that in the long run..the idea to have several freeconomy-self sustaining creative communities flourishing and supporting one another all over the world?
forming a more physical.so to speak..freeconomy community is quite a task...but it should not by any means be left up to one person/group to create...if that's the case, its not really a community..in other words if we all really want to see this happening, we should all pitch in..perhaps find creative ways to contribute!
another thought..why not help people who already own land and are interested in developing such a community along side others? is that not one way a community is born?
a true community is not only defined by its physical location but rather by the common mentality of Heart of the individuals.
with that being said..from my understanding one of the fundamental concepts of freecomony is to let go of self/material things and share/help others and visa versa..?
mark,
in regards to option four...yay! i'm not exactly sure what your details are on forming a physical freeconomy community, but it definately shouldn't be limited to one indivdual/group doing the "dirty" (money related) work.
all the best!
Super Nan comments ...
It all begins with us doesn't it
May Peace Prevail on Earth
If there is Light in the soul,
There will be Beauty in the person,
If there is Beauty in the person,
There will be Harmony in the house,
If there is Harmony in the house,
There will be Order in the nation,
If there is Order in the nation,
There will be Peace in the World.
My Promise is to Promote Peace Wherever I go
Dago Schelin comments ...
Way to go, Mark!
Just finished watching and annotating all the footage of our conversation. Good stuff!
Peace!
http://www.vimeo.com/dago
Undercover Hippy comments ...
Hello all,
nice to see such an open discussion going on without anyone being overly defensive or attacking anyone elses ideas! I haven't been following this blog, so not completely sure of all the back story, but thought I'd share my ideas anyway.
I love the idea of living in a harmonious community in the countryside, being self-sufficient etc. But, while I think these types of communities play an important role in educating people, (if they are effectively used in such a capacity), I don't really think that they will be the catalyst for change that this world needs. We can't avoid the fact that the majority of people live in cities. That's where decisions are made, that's where the current system resides. I also can't envisage a city in which there is no form of "money", i.e. a token used for trading goods and services. So I think it is neccessary to work from within the communities that already exist, engaging the local population and demonstrating the social advantages of an "alternative" way of living: better social cohesion, less crime, etc. This website is definitely a great example of that, but I think it would be a shame if the people involved were to move out of the city and continue the dream in relative isolation. I may have gotten completely the wrong end of the stick here, so am happy to be corrected. :)
I have heard promising reports of local currencies being set up, e.g. the brixton pound... I think this sounds like a far better approach than trying to deny the neccessity of money altogether. In a global community there will always be the need for money of some sort, and we are now very much a global community. You can't go backwards, as appealing as it may seem. Anyway, I'm rambling! In conclusion, for me, ideas like this freeconomy community, local currencies etc are definitely the way forward, and hopefully in time will play a larger and larger role in how we make transactions... but love it or hate it, there will always be a need for money! Speaking of which, can anyone lend me a tenner? ;)
comments ...
Good luck with the challenging enterprise! Mark. ..................................................................
I was surprised to read today that the Year 2s in my child's Infant School have been dedicated 'The World Philosophy Day' to a project about the advantages and disadvantages of a world without money. Aren't news traveling fast? if it's so, it looks like a very promising future. : D
comments ...
sign by Ana, it's not funny! (one of he reason why I ALWAYS forget my name, it's because most forums do it automatically, or/and I'm stressed mother) :D :D
NAGA comments ...
I always bear in mind that the original quote is:
" The LOVE of money is the root of all evil "
(1 Timothy, 6-10) not money per se.
Money is energy and like any other energy can be used or abused for good or for evil. Like manure, in one big pile it stinks, spread out on the field it fertilizes.
Hands up all those of you who wouldn't like the idea of winning the lottery ? Its selfishness, grreed,and lack of Love thats the problem, not the convenient form of exchange we call money...."All you need is Love! Give me money, (thats what I want") (Lennon and McCarteny) two great songs from the greatest group of all time, past present and future. Anybody else out there remember?
Karena comments ...
Hi Mark, Since reading your blog in the grauniad I too have been wondering how we can get others to think past the notion of money. I became a buddhist a couple of years ago and my attitude towards money pretty much changed overnight. I'm not suggesting that people get religious it just allowed me to see things how they really should be. Since then I have noticed that people tend to put money as the first factor in almost any decision. I believe that the action required should be considered first, with money the last factor if at all. All social change takes a long time - I would like to see the idea of profit becoming as much of a faux pas as drink driving. I think the only real chance of making such a radical social change is to educate our children at schools.
Alf comments ...
Dear Mark,
Just a quicky to say that I am thinking of you and hope that you are feeling energised. I read your blog and share similar concerns about the potential for burnout that we can all go through when burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. Sister Teresa apparently used to give her lunch away when she first started her ministry, because there was always someone else more hungry around her. However, she was encouraged by someone to eat her own lunch, so that she would have more strength to give, and to go the full distance. We do need to go the long run, although I certainly share your belief that limitation can often be a figment of our own imagination. There is a fine line on the spiritual path that we need to tread, between inspiration and mania, true spirituality and delusion. Rest needs to be factored in, as there are four main areas of personal renewal (social/emotional; mental; spiritual and physical) and if we let one of these slide, other areas can often suffer, so the idea of balance is important.
Our meeting last weekend has been a real source of inspiration to me and I have felt convicted to push a bit harder with certain disciplines as a result. We do have a big job at hand in raising awareness and providing practical alternatives and this isn't going to happen without blood, sweat and tears. Happiness/peace come as the bi-product of a well-lived life, and it is true that we are soldiers: the question is which side of the cosmic game of chess being played out do we wish to be fighting for? I think it was Gandhi who said that some of the greatest battles are fought and won in the hearts of men.
Love and Light to you, brother.
AM
Anne Howe comments ...
Hi Mark
Thoughtful post. To the question why me, the answer could be, why not. Any one of us can do something and if you doubt at anytime that one action lacks impact try spending a night in a room with a mosquito!
Each person can do what one person can do, and the more people do little things, the more notice others take, or ignore you, but thats OK too.
When I started my journey, I never thought the little actions would mount up but looking back I can see the impact it has made.
When you really focus on something, resources come your way because nature abhors a vacuum. So as you live without money, an opportunity comes your way to make money, in the form of your book contract. I don't think you can avoid that and I believe you will always receive.The more I declutter my house, the more stuff arrives, as people give me things they no longer want because apparently I lack....
If you can be specific about the community, I am absolutely certain that when you put it out there, resources will come your way and if its money then that is what you use.
However, be careful what you ask for because you will get it, so it pays to be specific.
Remember you are a unique mosquito....your bite is however worth remembering.
Robert Howes comments ...
Hi Mark,
I'm glad to see that you are coming dangerously close to my way of thinking.
Cheers,
Bob
***
ga67 comments ...
great article mark ,ive got some plans and ideas of my own which i hope to disscus with the community as soon as i can get into the forum which iant playiing ball at the moment.
ga67 comments ...
Sadly the only way to be free of the current system is to buy your way out.We need land for homes,fuel for transport,shelter,energy and a food source.Some people may think that goes against grain of the philosophy of the free economy,but we need to be realistic,nobody is going to give us land it needs to be payed for.transport will have to be bought and maintained.Fuel is not such a problem there is the option of biodiesel and oil from algea.food can be grown naturaly or by methods such as hydroponics or aeroponics.So the real problem is how do you escape from the system in the first place when youve got no money?Here is one idea,either ask fast food retailers for there waste oil or trade your labour for it,then turn it into biodiesel and sell what you dont need.If we do this collectivly we could as a group buy the land we need.Individually its hard to escape,but f people work together it can be achieved .please think about what can be done as a cohesive group whith defined goals and objectives,,lets have a plan,lets make it happen,this is not a hobby for me it about my freedom and the freedom of my children and grandchildren,im sure its the same for you so lets waste no more time and get this show on the road before its to late.
KatHodgkinson comments ...
Sometimes we find ourselves in a catch when it comes to money. For instance, I need to buy a shovel so that I can plant a garden and learn to grow my own food. I need to have gutters installed on my roof so that I can catch free water from the sky. I need to put screens on my windows so I can turn off my cooler and enjoy the free cool breeze. . . So I find myself "moving away" from money but it doesn't happen overnight. Yes, the goal is to free ourselves from a monetary system but we may need to "buy our way out" of slavery first. You can be sure that I will search for my goods at the thrift stores first :)
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