Is freedom possible?
Everyone wants to be free. How painful it is to be dominated. It is unbearable when a tyrant is standing over you, stomping on your neck. But freedom from being controlled is just the first step in freedom. Real freedom includes freedom from ourselves – from our unknown biases, our confused, mishappen idea about what we wish for.
Is freedom even possible? We have to fight for it with every fiber of our being. To put an end to everything enjoined by nature and society. The ancient ways fall away and your mind is pliable and still. It is a new beginning under a cloudless, limitless sky.
Your life is so very important. But let me break some news to you: You are not everything. There are other worlds, smaller and larger, each operating according to its own nature and each with a mind of its own.
The larger worlds are historical and celestial, driving us towards a future of which we know nothing. They are astronomical, like stars. Like the speed of light and the law of gravity. Evolutionary forces, constructing our anatomy. Psychological forces, fixing our desires. Each is imposed upon us. Yet as strong as they are they are not the largest. There is something even bigger – the secret recipe of the soul. Because it is free – freedom to supercede all forces.
Is freedom possible? Armchair philosophers can debate this forever. But how would they know? In order to find out we have to give our very life. To put an end to mere thought. To discover if we are one of those in whom freedom can dwell.
We worked so hard for political and economic and social freedom. We had to go through so much, but, to be honest, we ended up the same as we were before. We still have to deal with enslavement from within, our very own desires, which multiply when the constraints are removed. Fulfilling a wish is a kind of inflamation, like a scratching an itch. We are still looking ahead with blank eyes.
Freedom from being controlled is just the first step in freedom. Freedom includes freedom from ourselves – our silly biases, our mishappen ideas about what we want. Freedom means not being dominated by desire. Desire for money, success, sensuality, security. It means not being lonely, addicted, obsessed.
Ask yourself: Do you really want to be free? Maybe you are better off the way you are already, bound up in a life that is not really very important, but which at least gives you pleasure. You may as well remain where you were. True, you won’t fulfill your promise. You won’t find true love. But you will have a modicum of happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Is freedom even possible for we creatures of lesh and bone, commanded by the laws of nature, by the iron hand of cause and effect, We don’t know what to think or feel or do. We don’t know who we are. But we do have something else: Sight.
Freedom is in your eyes. All you have to do is look, through and through, until you find the motive force. That sight disarms the latent power, rendering it powerless.
If you have eyes to see, you can see freedom in another person, in the rigidity or suppleness of their face. For example, when you see an old person walking by with a walker, their back bent and their face wrinkled, the force of history asks you to judge that this is an old person. But in doing so you have fixed his place with leaded feet. But you can dissolve that burden if you look with the greatest goodwill. The back straightens and wrinkles fall away. No trace of age remains, neither old nor young. Only the living being remains. Now go back and clothe them with whatever garments you like.
The same goes for a pretty face. All of history seduces and pulls you in, until you pull yourself away with love and courage. That is freedom.
That is the secret. Just entering into the question is enough, if we give ourself the time for it and have enough faith. Cease to be driven by the great locomotive of history. All we need to do is begin, but with potency.
You have demonstrated that you are not an automaton, and that you are worthy of your infinite nature. The ancient ways fall away and your mind is pliable and still. It is a new beginning under a cloudless, limitless sky.
Freedom
Category:
Visionary Cities
Category:
Is a truly beautiful city possible? Safe for thoughtfulness, creativity and happiness?
What would life be like if society weren’t self-centered and superficial? Can we develop a vision for the future that recognizes what is best in human nature? Can we present this in a way that is not political or divisive?
A soulful city provides places for meaningful association with strangers. It has vibrant and beautiful public spaces. It is walkable and has good public transportation. It provides places for debate, and for lifelong learning. It supports community, protects the poor and the marginalized, and promotes democracy, justice, happiness. It is designed for celebrating our common humanity.
Livable cities nourish the full range of functions, including learning, entertainment, diversity and choice, conversation and dialogue, adventure and excitement, money-making, safety and comfort, spiritual inspiration, anonymity and privacy, transportation, justice, culture and art.
You’ve probably seen people with their backs permanently bent, walking with their faces close to the ground. Encrusted habits press on us like an anvil. We become accustomed to small and large evils. Now we see security guards at libraries and supermarkets. Scam artists call the elderly on Medicare scams. So-called non-profit hospitals openly take advantage of sick people. Homeless encampments dominate city streets. Sexual abuse of children is no longer unthinkable.
And yet in spite of everything we are still free. Let us look afresh at the broken world around us and pierce the aura of its inevitability. In every area of life we can begin anew. An unexpected resolution to a political issue or social problem can appear at any time, if we approach it with goodwill and stamina. Each is the culmination of a quest to uncover the very root, and a fresh way of organizing ourselves. Of managing conflict and our violent nature. Of controlling immense wealth. Of supporting businesses that are healthy and humane. Of fostering exquisite sensitivity to the in our very own communities.
Static institutions can wake up. We can have better convenience stores and movies. We can have idiosyncratic shops that express a dream. New kinds of common spaces, art and learning everywhere. Maybe it won’t be as efficient or comfortable, but it will have soul.
Let’s tackle each area one by one. Eventually we will have enough insights to put all together as a platform for a new society, not a political but a visionary platform. We can then offer this to the public. As a way that teaches how to respond to political issues non-politically. A way that sensitive, thoughtful people anywhere can embrace.
How to solve the problems of the world? The only thing we really need to do is stop causing harm. To end corruption, ignorance, resentment, agression.
It’s not hard to come up with examples. They rise up effortlessly when we look afresh. But how can we do that? We can’t just fund operas or build monuments. How can we envision a world in which anyone can flower? We have to know what it means to flower as a human being. We need humility, insight and courage. We need insight, beauty and soul. Where could that come from? It is born in the course of our life, by everything we do, especially the way we react to challenges and dark experiences.
Even if we can’t figure out what to do, at least we can have a little more diversity and beauty. Comfortable benches, small shops. Not necessarily the most efficient or profitable. Maybe a little dirty and idiosyncratic, expressing a dream of the owner. It doesn’t have to be a cathedral.
The real change is efforvescence of spirit. Start from what you know best and care about most. We all have a complaint and a vision. Enter into this with the full force of your being. Have confidence that the old verities – beauty, love, truth – still exist. What is the opposite of sclerosis? Insight, courage, humility and wisdom. Now, straighten your back, and step ahead.
What would life be like if society weren’t self-centered and superficial? Can we develop a vision for the future that recognizes what is best in human nature? Can we present this in a way that is not political or divisive?
A soulful city provides places for meaningful association with strangers. It has vibrant and beautiful public spaces. It is walkable and has good public transportation. It provides places for debate, and for lifelong learning. It supports community, protects the poor and the marginalized, and promotes democracy, justice, happiness. It is designed for celebrating our common humanity.
Livable cities nourish the full range of functions, including learning, entertainment, diversity and choice, conversation and dialogue, adventure and excitement, money-making, safety and comfort, spiritual inspiration, anonymity and privacy, transportation, justice, culture and art.
You’ve probably seen people with their backs permanently bent, walking with their faces close to the ground. Encrusted habits press on us like an anvil. We become accustomed to small and large evils. Now we see security guards at libraries and supermarkets. Scam artists call the elderly on Medicare scams. So-called non-profit hospitals openly take advantage of sick people. Homeless encampments dominate city streets. Sexual abuse of children is no longer unthinkable.
And yet in spite of everything we are still free. Let us look afresh at the broken world around us and pierce the aura of its inevitability. In every area of life we can begin anew. An unexpected resolution to a political issue or social problem can appear at any time, if we approach it with goodwill and stamina. Each is the culmination of a quest to uncover the very root, and a fresh way of organizing ourselves. Of managing conflict and our violent nature. Of controlling immense wealth. Of supporting businesses that are healthy and humane. Of fostering exquisite sensitivity to the
Static institutions can wake up. We can have better convenience stores and movies. We can have idiosyncratic shops that express a dream. New kinds of common spaces, art and learning everywhere. Maybe it won’t be as efficient or comfortable, but it will have soul.
Let’s tackle each area one by one. Eventually we will have enough insights to put all together as a platform for a new society, not a political but a visionary platform. We can then offer this to the public. As a way that teaches how to respond to political issues non-politically. A way that sensitive, thoughtful people anywhere can embrace.
How to solve the problems of the world? The only thing we really need to do is stop causing harm. To end corruption, ignorance, resentment, agression.
It’s not hard to come up with examples. They rise up effortlessly when we look afresh. But how can we do that? We can’t just fund operas or build monuments. How can we envision a world in which anyone can flower? We have to know what it means to flower as a human being. We need humility, insight and courage. We need insight, beauty and soul. Where could that come from? It is born in the course of our life, by everything we do, especially the way we react to challenges and dark experiences.
Even if we can’t figure out what to do, at least we can have a little more diversity and beauty. Comfortable benches, small shops. Not necessarily the most efficient or profitable. Maybe a little dirty and idiosyncratic, expressing a dream of the owner. It doesn’t have to be a cathedral.
The real change is efforvescence of spirit. Start from what you know best and care about most. We all have a complaint and a vision. Enter into this with the full force of your being. Have confidence that the old verities – beauty, love, truth – still exist. What is the opposite of sclerosis? Insight, courage, humility and wisdom. Now, straighten your back, and step ahead.
Reflections Monday, February03, 2025
Category:
Vision for Kochi, India
Category:
I came across this project in Kochi, in Southern India, a few years ago. Let's do the same anywhere we want to explore how to make our city or village better. – Geoff
Can you imagine the future of this city? The future is approaching fast and we need to be ready for it!
The way we live will change. The way we work will change. The way we move will change. And: the way we treat the environment has to change. But: Change has to happen in a local way – maintaining the cities unique identity. There are a lot of different choices to be made. That’s why we need a future Vision for this place and want you to be part of it!
entekochi, that’s what it is: EnteKochi (meaning MyKochi in local Malayalam) encourages the participation of as many different people as possible in thinking creatively and freely about the future of Kochi.
As an urban living lab we want to try things out. We don’t know the perfect solutions for the future yet, but we want to get together to find it. Please join us either here on this website, at our space in Fort Kochi or at workshops all over town.
EnteKochi (meaning MyKochi in local Malayalam) is jointly accompanied and designed by the Kochi Municipal Corporation, GIZ India, urbanista and urbz
Challenge 1, The Kochi Identity. Maintaining and respecting cultural identity.
Kochi’s multi-cultural history has allowed to develop a unique identity of the city. This is defined by tangible structures like historical buildings, religious spaces, but as well by intangible elements such as specific traditions, customs or the practice of different languages. It is vital that these elements will be respected in future developments, to allow the city to maintain its unique characteristics. While until today most of the historical sites and buildings of Kochi’s cultural identity have been preserved, there are few systematic sets of regulations that define what shall be protected long-term, and how to do so.
Challenge 2: Neighborhoods and Houses. Providing quality and safe housing in a vibrant environment.
The population of Kochi is increasing constantly. There are various forms of housing within the diverse neighborhoods of the city and the region. Some people live in informal structures, while others live in traditional houses or isolated, mono-structured settings. This imbalance leads to increasing inequalities, as well as to demand and supply gaps that continue to grow. In a future vision, Kochi offers a high quality of life through safe and adequate housing within lively and mixed-use neighborhoods in an inclusive city for all.
Challenge 3: Basic Services and Welfare. Creating reliable structures and basic services for all.
Existing inequalities increase with a fast growing population. This results in an unequal distribution of public goods and require the proportional adaption of public infrastructure and basic services. While today certain neighborhoods suffer a restricted access to various social and technical resources, a future Kochi must establish a common standard of needs to provide its citizens with an adequate standard of living. This will demand structural developments for sustainable waste management and long-term water management systems, among other factors.
Challenge 4: Public Common Grounds and Environment. Creating vibrant spaces for interaction and recreation.
In certain parts of Kochi, land use is mostly for structural, residential, commercial or agricultural purposes; this isolates its people from the natural environment and communities. To ensure inclusive and social communities, it is necessary to promote interaction between citizens and create recreation for residents and their environment. It is essential to provide collective public spaces for all people of a society to gather, meet and exchange ideas. By disrupting borders and opening up areas within existing structures, there is immense potential for more recreational and social opportunities for citizens.
Challenge 5: The Mobility Factor. Providing easy and accessible transport.
Kochi’s traffic is mainly filled with engine-driven vehicles, driving on roads that were not designed for their size and quantity, suffering from unpredictable contextual fluctuations. Making Kochi a walkable and bikeable city with simple transport systems that will explore potential routes (e.g. water) adapting to climate fluctuations, will be a significant challenge in its future. A future in which commuters will combine different forms of transport, to make the city itself a walkable environment by diffusing efficiently and reducing congestion.
Challenge 6: Local Economy and Labour Space. Creating future structures for sustainable income.
The way we work has a substantial impact on the functions and structures of our cities. Through its port, an active fishing industry, factory hubs and a leading digital, tech/IT sector, Kochi’s recent economic development is above the Indian national average. Through digitalization and mechanization, new places of work will emerge while others will vanish. In an integrated city development, new workplaces should be chosen wisely and tailored to the needs of a future economy.
Challenge 7: The Coastal Climate Challenge. Preparing Kochi and its people for floods and severe weather conditions.
Being a coastal city at sea level with significant water bodies, Kochi constantly runs the risk to be affected by floods and bad weather conditions. In 2018 Kerala suffered immensely from one of the most impactful floods in recent history. The danger of flooding and the increasing monsoon rainfall have raised the question of what can be done to avoid this in the future. To ensure a sustainable and resilient future development of the city and its community, it is essential to adapt structures to protect it from severe dangers. With rising sea levels and the acceleration of climate change, Kochi will have to find innovative solutions to protect its coastline while finding ways to incorporate its canals and backwaters within safe, reliable structures.
Let’s Create A Vision For The City Together
Tea house / discussion shop in a neighborhood.
Clean a neighborhood.
Questions similar to 'What I want to do before I die'.
Community banks, community stores, training centers, water treatment, latrines, gardens, etc.
Neighborhood exchange boxes, such as books, tools or clothes.
Vacant Lot Reclaimed as a Public Park for Community Gatherings.
A place to rest, with self-chosen payment.
Restore grave markers at cemeteries to their original, pristine condition.
Creative placemaking to combat isolation and encourage citizen ownership of public spaces.
Napping in public and quasi-public spaces.
Start a Community Time Bank (Share skills). “New dream guide to sharing”.
Community-owned ambulance service business.
Organize a parade.
Can you imagine the future of this city? The future is approaching fast and we need to be ready for it!
The way we live will change. The way we work will change. The way we move will change. And: the way we treat the environment has to change. But: Change has to happen in a local way – maintaining the cities unique identity. There are a lot of different choices to be made. That’s why we need a future Vision for this place and want you to be part of it!
entekochi, that’s what it is: EnteKochi (meaning MyKochi in local Malayalam) encourages the participation of as many different people as possible in thinking creatively and freely about the future of Kochi.
As an urban living lab we want to try things out. We don’t know the perfect solutions for the future yet, but we want to get together to find it. Please join us either here on this website, at our space in Fort Kochi or at workshops all over town.
EnteKochi (meaning MyKochi in local Malayalam) is jointly accompanied and designed by the Kochi Municipal Corporation, GIZ India, urbanista and urbz
Challenge 1, The Kochi Identity. Maintaining and respecting cultural identity.
Kochi’s multi-cultural history has allowed to develop a unique identity of the city. This is defined by tangible structures like historical buildings, religious spaces, but as well by intangible elements such as specific traditions, customs or the practice of different languages. It is vital that these elements will be respected in future developments, to allow the city to maintain its unique characteristics. While until today most of the historical sites and buildings of Kochi’s cultural identity have been preserved, there are few systematic sets of regulations that define what shall be protected long-term, and how to do so.
Challenge 2: Neighborhoods and Houses. Providing quality and safe housing in a vibrant environment.
The population of Kochi is increasing constantly. There are various forms of housing within the diverse neighborhoods of the city and the region. Some people live in informal structures, while others live in traditional houses or isolated, mono-structured settings. This imbalance leads to increasing inequalities, as well as to demand and supply gaps that continue to grow. In a future vision, Kochi offers a high quality of life through safe and adequate housing within lively and mixed-use neighborhoods in an inclusive city for all.
Challenge 3: Basic Services and Welfare. Creating reliable structures and basic services for all.
Existing inequalities increase with a fast growing population. This results in an unequal distribution of public goods and require the proportional adaption of public infrastructure and basic services. While today certain neighborhoods suffer a restricted access to various social and technical resources, a future Kochi must establish a common standard of needs to provide its citizens with an adequate standard of living. This will demand structural developments for sustainable waste management and long-term water management systems, among other factors.
Challenge 4: Public Common Grounds and Environment. Creating vibrant spaces for interaction and recreation.
In certain parts of Kochi, land use is mostly for structural, residential, commercial or agricultural purposes; this isolates its people from the natural environment and communities. To ensure inclusive and social communities, it is necessary to promote interaction between citizens and create recreation for residents and their environment. It is essential to provide collective public spaces for all people of a society to gather, meet and exchange ideas. By disrupting borders and opening up areas within existing structures, there is immense potential for more recreational and social opportunities for citizens.
Challenge 5: The Mobility Factor. Providing easy and accessible transport.
Kochi’s traffic is mainly filled with engine-driven vehicles, driving on roads that were not designed for their size and quantity, suffering from unpredictable contextual fluctuations. Making Kochi a walkable and bikeable city with simple transport systems that will explore potential routes (e.g. water) adapting to climate fluctuations, will be a significant challenge in its future. A future in which commuters will combine different forms of transport, to make the city itself a walkable environment by diffusing efficiently and reducing congestion.
Challenge 6: Local Economy and Labour Space. Creating future structures for sustainable income.
The way we work has a substantial impact on the functions and structures of our cities. Through its port, an active fishing industry, factory hubs and a leading digital, tech/IT sector, Kochi’s recent economic development is above the Indian national average. Through digitalization and mechanization, new places of work will emerge while others will vanish. In an integrated city development, new workplaces should be chosen wisely and tailored to the needs of a future economy.
Challenge 7: The Coastal Climate Challenge. Preparing Kochi and its people for floods and severe weather conditions.
Being a coastal city at sea level with significant water bodies, Kochi constantly runs the risk to be affected by floods and bad weather conditions. In 2018 Kerala suffered immensely from one of the most impactful floods in recent history. The danger of flooding and the increasing monsoon rainfall have raised the question of what can be done to avoid this in the future. To ensure a sustainable and resilient future development of the city and its community, it is essential to adapt structures to protect it from severe dangers. With rising sea levels and the acceleration of climate change, Kochi will have to find innovative solutions to protect its coastline while finding ways to incorporate its canals and backwaters within safe, reliable structures.
Let’s Create A Vision For The City Together
Tea house / discussion shop in a neighborhood.
Clean a neighborhood.
Questions similar to 'What I want to do before I die'.
Community banks, community stores, training centers, water treatment, latrines, gardens, etc.
Neighborhood exchange boxes, such as books, tools or clothes.
Vacant Lot Reclaimed as a Public Park for Community Gatherings.
A place to rest, with self-chosen payment.
Restore grave markers at cemeteries to their original, pristine condition.
Creative placemaking to combat isolation and encourage citizen ownership of public spaces.
Napping in public and quasi-public spaces.
Start a Community Time Bank (Share skills). “New dream guide to sharing”.
Community-owned ambulance service business.
Organize a parade.
My Kochi 1
My Kochi 2
Self
Category:
How can we maintain our integrity in a world where power, success and money are valued about all else?
Who are you? What do you stand for and what kind of person do you wish to become?
Who are you? What do you stand for and what kind of person do you wish to become?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Society
Category:
We flounder in a sea of superficiality. Our passivity binds us to the existing order. We sought happiness, but received vacuity. An insight became a policy. A position was assumed, a relationship was defined. A dream turned into a bureaucracy.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Understanding
Category:
Is it possible to find the truth of a perspective or person? What is false in your life? What is real? Why is understanding so rare? Does truth exist?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Culture
Category:
Can we combat mass culture? What is the purpose of art? How can we fight nihilistic culture without becoming self-righteous?
What is the difference between outer and inner beauty? Are there objective standards for culture? What is creativity?
What is the difference between outer and inner beauty? Are there objective standards for culture? What is creativity?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Money
Category:
Money is the life-blood of society. But it suppresses us. It keeps us working at jobs we don’t care about. It stops us from having time to achieve our dreams. We can do better. We can use money to create a more beautiful society.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Politics
Category:
Are you fed up with politics, but still want to be involved in the issues of the day? Is government that recognizes heart and soul possible? Can the citizen make a difference? Are you worthy of democracy? Does politics have to be adversarial? What does it mean to vote with your life?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Relationship
Category:
Why is it we all so desperately want to be loved? Why do we end up alone? Is relationship without betrayal, misunderstanding and forgetfulness possible? Is true friendship possible? Is love in society possible?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Peace
Category:
Why do we fight our own brothers and sisters? Can conflict be resolved at the root?
Peace means living in a way that the other person is as important as you. It means putting an end to war in ourselves.
Peace means living in a way that the other person is as important as you. It means putting an end to war in ourselves.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Spirituality
Category:
Is there something greater than we ourselves? Does truth, good and beauty exist?
Can spirituality reform the acquisitive spirit? Can it exist without dogma, authority or belief? Is anything sacred anymore?
Can spirituality reform the acquisitive spirit? Can it exist without dogma, authority or belief? Is anything sacred anymore?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Art & Culture
Category:
Quest for Art and Culture by the Visionary Society is a community-driven initiative that celebrates creativity and heritage. Through art projects and cultural craftsmanship, we aim to inspire, preserve tradition, and support local artisans. Join us in our mission to enrich lives through the power of art and culture!
Culture
Category:
Tremendous Insight
How do we measure culture? “By how much spiritual substance there is in its everyday existence…We gauge culture by the extent to which a whole people, not only individuals, live in accordance with the dictates of an eternal doctrine or strive for spiritual integrity; the extent to which inwardness, compassion, justice and holiness are to be found in the daily life of the masses.”
Reflect on your experiences and biases
How much time do you spend (hours per week) watching television, on the internet, listening to music, on the phone?
How does a work of art make you feel? Do you feel recognized by it? Does it address what is best in you? Does it make you feel human? Or does it make you restless? Does it inflame your ego? Does it reinforce stereotypes? Does it make you compare yourself to a standard you didn't think you cared about? Does it divide or heal?
Take the Pledge for Visionary Culture
Participate actively at every show, exhibit and song that you experience.
– Think about how art affects you and society.
– Understand what a work of art says.
– Try to understand the purpose and motive of the piece.
– Seek the good, true and beautiful.
– Don’t participate harmful cultural activities
Look for an invisible reality. Put soul at the center of your concerns. Put the fair and good into your mind.
Transform: Beautiful Books event. Beautiful Books is a counterpart to Banned Books. Instead of selecting works because they had been banned, Beautiful Books has readings, discussion and performances of works that are considered beautiful by members. Beautiful Books supports works of art that express the deeper dimensions of our humanity. Beauty is adrift, under assault, in need of a friend. Let us be a friend to beauty. Freedom of the expression of ideas is always valid, but we also need to know what is really worthy of being expressed.
What is Explosive Creativity?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ETH1cz_ykWc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_podOYIqWI
Create a Visionary Project!
...
– Adam
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Peace
Category:
Tremendous Insight
"Without love, you are trying to find out what is the right thing to do, and your action only leads to greater harm and misery; it is the action of politicians and reformers. Without love, you cannot comprehend cruelty; a peace of sorts may be established through the reign of terror; but war, killing, will continue at another level of our existence. We will not win peace because we will not give up our position, our authority, our money, our properties, our stupid lives.
"To put an end to sorrow, to hunger, to war, there must be a psychological revolution and few of us are willing to face that. We will discuss peace, plan legislation, create new leagues, the United Nations and so on and on; but we will not win peace because we will not give up our position, our authority, our money, our properties, our stupid lives. To rely on others is utterly futile; others cannot bring us peace. No leader is going to give us peace, no government, no army, no country. What will bring peace is inward transformation which will lead to outward action. Inward transformation is not isolation, is not a withdrawal from outward action."
Jiddu Krishnamurti, The First and Last Freedom
Reflect on your experiences and biases
How peaceful are you?
What share do you have in the world’s confusion and wickedness?
Do you sometimes act with cruelty or brutality? In what ways are you narrow, superficial, fragmented? In what ways? Are you responsible for wars? What share do you have in the world’s confusion and wickedness? Are you at war with yourself?
Do you participate in violent cultural activities? Do you use respectful language? What would it mean to lead your daily life peacefully, including in your work, entertainment, and generally in your daily life?
Take the Pledge for Real Peace
Put an end to war in yourself. Understand your own role in conflict and aggression.
Admit your need for power, prestige, money.
Recognize your own brutality.
Atone as far as possible for the wrongs you inflict on others.
Don't participate in violent cultural activities. Reduce indirect complicity in harm, such as overconsumption and greed.
Respect the sanctity of human life and all life.
Transform a conflict into a Quest
Help form a Peace Brigade for Israel and Palestine.
– Understand the grievances and suffering of the opposing side.
– Find a resolution that takes opponents’ interests into account.
– Collaborate with any and all peace actors and organizations.
Upcoming Projects and Actions
Peace Brigade for Israel and Palestine
Ask soldiers to be thoughtful
Give back the night
Ask police officers to be thoughtful
Create a Visionary Project!
"Without love, you are trying to find out what is the right thing to do, and your action only leads to greater harm and misery; it is the action of politicians and reformers. Without love, you cannot comprehend cruelty; a peace of sorts may be established through the reign of terror; but war, killing, will continue at another level of our existence. We will not win peace because we will not give up our position, our authority, our money, our properties, our stupid lives.
"To put an end to sorrow, to hunger, to war, there must be a psychological revolution and few of us are willing to face that. We will discuss peace, plan legislation, create new leagues, the United Nations and so on and on; but we will not win peace because we will not give up our position, our authority, our money, our properties, our stupid lives. To rely on others is utterly futile; others cannot bring us peace. No leader is going to give us peace, no government, no army, no country. What will bring peace is inward transformation which will lead to outward action. Inward transformation is not isolation, is not a withdrawal from outward action."
Jiddu Krishnamurti, The First and Last Freedom
Reflect on your experiences and biases
How peaceful are you?
What share do you have in the world’s confusion and wickedness?
Do you sometimes act with cruelty or brutality? In what ways are you narrow, superficial, fragmented? In what ways? Are you responsible for wars? What share do you have in the world’s confusion and wickedness? Are you at war with yourself?
Do you participate in violent cultural activities? Do you use respectful language? What would it mean to lead your daily life peacefully, including in your work, entertainment, and generally in your daily life?
Take the Pledge for Real Peace
Put an end to war in yourself. Understand your own role in conflict and aggression.
Admit your need for power, prestige, money.
Recognize your own brutality.
Atone as far as possible for the wrongs you inflict on others.
Don't participate in violent cultural activities. Reduce indirect complicity in harm, such as overconsumption and greed.
Respect the sanctity of human life and all life.
Transform a conflict into a Quest
Help form a Peace Brigade for Israel and Palestine.
– Understand the grievances and suffering of the opposing side.
– Find a resolution that takes opponents’ interests into account.
– Collaborate with any and all peace actors and organizations.
Upcoming Projects and Actions
Peace Brigade for Israel and Palestine
Ask soldiers to be thoughtful
Give back the night
Ask police officers to be thoughtful
Create a Visionary Project!
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Tremendous insights to consider: Money
Category:
“Are you not ashamed that you give your attention to acquiring as much money as possible, and similarly with reputation and honor and give no attention to truth and understanding and the perfection of your soul?” Plato, Apology
“The idea that directions can be given for the gaining of wealth, irrespectively of the consideration of its moral sources,...is perhaps the most insolently futile of all that ever beguiled men through their vices.” John Ruskin
“To be inwardly rich is much more arduous than to be outwardly rich and famous; it needs much more care, much closer attention…Inward richness implies standing alone; but the man who wants to be famous is afraid to stand alone because he depends on people’s flattery and good opinion.” J. Krishnamurti
“We need businesspeople who are not driven by money but by their desire to contribute to society.’ ‘I’m talking about a new sector: companies that don’t want to make a loss, so they can continue to do business that contributes to the community as a whole. There aren’t many like that because the private sector has been wrongly labeled as a group of merciless profit-makers.” Muhammad Yunus
“I’ve to make these canastitas my own way and with my own song in them and with bits of my soul woven into them…If I were to make them in great numbers there would no longer be my soul in each, or my songs…Each has to be another song which I hear in the morning when the sun rises and when the birds begin to chirp and the butterflies come and sit down on my baskets so that I may see a new beauty.” B. Traven
“The idea that directions can be given for the gaining of wealth, irrespectively of the consideration of its moral sources,...is perhaps the most insolently futile of all that ever beguiled men through their vices.” John Ruskin
“To be inwardly rich is much more arduous than to be outwardly rich and famous; it needs much more care, much closer attention…Inward richness implies standing alone; but the man who wants to be famous is afraid to stand alone because he depends on people’s flattery and good opinion.” J. Krishnamurti
“We need businesspeople who are not driven by money but by their desire to contribute to society.’ ‘I’m talking about a new sector: companies that don’t want to make a loss, so they can continue to do business that contributes to the community as a whole. There aren’t many like that because the private sector has been wrongly labeled as a group of merciless profit-makers.” Muhammad Yunus
“I’ve to make these canastitas my own way and with my own song in them and with bits of my soul woven into them…If I were to make them in great numbers there would no longer be my soul in each, or my songs…Each has to be another song which I hear in the morning when the sun rises and when the birds begin to chirp and the butterflies come and sit down on my baskets so that I may see a new beauty.” B. Traven
Visionary Anchorage and Alaska
Category:
How can Alaska reclaim its legacy of freedom? How to respond to its high rates of violence and dysfunction? How can we encourage younger and older people to stay? What is freedom?
Isn't it awkward that a place once known as a sanctuary for freedom has become wholly subsumed as a province of the United States? You find the same technocracy, austere design and regulations and corporate chains, the same police officers and patterns of thought, as everywhere. The same juggernaught that attaches itself to your jugular.
True, there is still something different about Alaska. People all over the world dream of Alaska, its open spaces and wilderness, its immensity and grandeur. Its beauty and danger and mystery. But don’t be fooled by it’s pretty face. It is a cocktail of bliss and bitterness. There is a contradiction between immensity and frivolity.
Maybe there is a bit less peer pressure here, and fewer taxes. In most other places there is nothing beyond the horizon, other than more of the same. In Alaska, we have wilderness. That’s where we get a hardcore reality check. The wilderness is brutally honest. You won’t find the nanny state in the the frigid glaciers and rivers. It is immensity that is not on the human scale. One mistep and you will break through the ice, your clothes will freeze and you will die.
It is said that if you wait long enough at the wailing wall in Jerusulem any Jew will appear. We can say the same about Alaska: if you wait long enough any free-spirited person will arrive. Alaskans call the rest of the world ‘Outside.’ We came here for freedom, exhausted by civilization. But we settled too easy, becoming drifters and deadbeats, or shopkeepers and professionals. Alaska is like an innocent child who it turns out has a dark past. There is a long history behind us and some of it is not so bright. We are completely unaware of what preceded us.
But we’re just getting started. “They break the hearts of kith and kin, theirs the curse of the gypsy blood. If they just went straight they might go far; they are strong and brave and true.” Let’s find out what it means to be strong and brave and true. That is, Alaskan.
Above all, don’t let yourself be domesticated, by the tourism industry, corporate chains, or popular culture. You will find rivers of beauty and opportunity in Alaska. We all want to enjoy ourselves, and we may well succeed if that’s our goal. But at what cost? At the cost of the soul. Soul means we have to throw our entire life into question.
Alaska is more than personal satisfaction. Alaska means possibility, still in the making. Let’s find out what wilderness is, beauty, freedom. Not as mere ideas, but in the actual life we lead. Alaska is a choice. The greatest danger is not to aim high enough. Instead of beauty and pleasure, set forth into the great unexplored lands – the wilderness of the soul.
Isn't it awkward that a place once known as a sanctuary for freedom has become wholly subsumed as a province of the United States? You find the same technocracy, austere design and regulations and corporate chains, the same police officers and patterns of thought, as everywhere. The same juggernaught that attaches itself to your jugular.
True, there is still something different about Alaska. People all over the world dream of Alaska, its open spaces and wilderness, its immensity and grandeur. Its beauty and danger and mystery. But don’t be fooled by it’s pretty face. It is a cocktail of bliss and bitterness. There is a contradiction between immensity and frivolity.
Maybe there is a bit less peer pressure here, and fewer taxes. In most other places there is nothing beyond the horizon, other than more of the same. In Alaska, we have wilderness. That’s where we get a hardcore reality check. The wilderness is brutally honest. You won’t find the nanny state in the the frigid glaciers and rivers. It is immensity that is not on the human scale. One mistep and you will break through the ice, your clothes will freeze and you will die.
It is said that if you wait long enough at the wailing wall in Jerusulem any Jew will appear. We can say the same about Alaska: if you wait long enough any free-spirited person will arrive. Alaskans call the rest of the world ‘Outside.’ We came here for freedom, exhausted by civilization. But we settled too easy, becoming drifters and deadbeats, or shopkeepers and professionals. Alaska is like an innocent child who it turns out has a dark past. There is a long history behind us and some of it is not so bright. We are completely unaware of what preceded us.
But we’re just getting started. “They break the hearts of kith and kin, theirs the curse of the gypsy blood. If they just went straight they might go far; they are strong and brave and true.” Let’s find out what it means to be strong and brave and true. That is, Alaskan.
Above all, don’t let yourself be domesticated, by the tourism industry, corporate chains, or popular culture. You will find rivers of beauty and opportunity in Alaska. We all want to enjoy ourselves, and we may well succeed if that’s our goal. But at what cost? At the cost of the soul. Soul means we have to throw our entire life into question.
Alaska is more than personal satisfaction. Alaska means possibility, still in the making. Let’s find out what wilderness is, beauty, freedom. Not as mere ideas, but in the actual life we lead. Alaska is a choice. The greatest danger is not to aim high enough. Instead of beauty and pleasure, set forth into the great unexplored lands – the wilderness of the soul.
Be a Guide for Beautiful Books
Category:
Do you believe beauty, good and truth exist, that it is possible to find out what these are and to defend them in popular culture? Join us in creating Beautiful Books. Beautiful Books has readings, discussion and performances of works that are considered beautiful by members.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters.
There are a number of ways to get involved. Explore whatever interests you. Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers.
Develop and manage the Beautiful Books event.
City-wide publicity to build awareness of the event.
Seek support from arts organizations.
Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers. Additional stipends are available for this.
Help collect a list of potential films, performances, monuments and works of any kind that are ‘beautiful’ - a historical era or event, and anything.
Develop and act on a strategy for publicity, including holding at least one meeting and getting volunteers involved.
Plan for meetings
– Review Beautiful Books principles
– Discuss options for potential performances and events (see Resources for ideas on this).
– Decide on the kinds of performances (and possibly the specific works) we will be presenting.
– Begin to decide on the readers, performers and actual works (readings, films, paintings, performances, etc.) that will be highlighted at the event. There should also be opportunities for individuals to add their own).
General Publicity
City-wide publicity is of particular importance. We need to build awareness over a period of months leading up to the events, on radio, newspapers, etc., and then make a special effort during the week of the Events.
– Publicize Beautiful Books throughout town, in as many ways as feasible (including flyers, ads, distribution of cards and flyers, etc.) Post flyers at café, libraries and bookstores and more.
Develop the marketing tools
We need all the materials, posters, flyers that we will present to the public and interested parties, including design work, developing the proofs and publishing, to create engaging, quality posters or flyers.
Press releases.
Seek support from arts organizations
Contact local arts organizations. Ask them to support and collaborate with Beautiful Books and participate in events, including providing locations for the event. Work with them for practical planning. Include libraries, bookstores, cinemas, theaters, college departments of dance, music, speech and theatre arts.
Helpful qualifications
Belief in what we’re doing.
Knowledge of a variety of local arts organizations.
Communications skills (for example, radio shows, TV, newspaper). Contacts radio and television desirable.
Marketing skills, including creating posters, press releases and ads.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters.
There are a number of ways to get involved. Explore whatever interests you. Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers.
Develop and manage the Beautiful Books event.
City-wide publicity to build awareness of the event.
Seek support from arts organizations.
Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers. Additional stipends are available for this.
Help collect a list of potential films, performances, monuments and works of any kind that are ‘beautiful’ - a historical era or event, and anything.
Develop and act on a strategy for publicity, including holding at least one meeting and getting volunteers involved.
Plan for meetings
– Review Beautiful Books principles
– Discuss options for potential performances and events (see Resources for ideas on this).
– Decide on the kinds of performances (and possibly the specific works) we will be presenting.
– Begin to decide on the readers, performers and actual works (readings, films, paintings, performances, etc.) that will be highlighted at the event. There should also be opportunities for individuals to add their own).
General Publicity
City-wide publicity is of particular importance. We need to build awareness over a period of months leading up to the events, on radio, newspapers, etc., and then make a special effort during the week of the Events.
– Publicize Beautiful Books throughout town, in as many ways as feasible (including flyers, ads, distribution of cards and flyers, etc.) Post flyers at café, libraries and bookstores and more.
Develop the marketing tools
We need all the materials, posters, flyers that we will present to the public and interested parties, including design work, developing the proofs and publishing, to create engaging, quality posters or flyers.
Press releases.
Seek support from arts organizations
Contact local arts organizations. Ask them to support and collaborate with Beautiful Books and participate in events, including providing locations for the event. Work with them for practical planning. Include libraries, bookstores, cinemas, theaters, college departments of dance, music, speech and theatre arts.
Helpful qualifications
Belief in what we’re doing.
Knowledge of a variety of local arts organizations.
Communications skills (for example, radio shows, TV, newspaper). Contacts radio and television desirable.
Marketing skills, including creating posters, press releases and ads.
What is a Guide?
Want to help create Visionary society in your community? Select a project that you care about.
A Guide is sensitive to the lives of others, an alternative to the myriad of professionals who are paid to compensate for dysfunction: security guards, police, therapists, psychiatrists, social service workers, life coaches, shamans. Guides are catalysts.
Most important, the Guide provides moral support and facilitates communication with anyone interested in the project.
Are you interested? This position is right for you if:
• You want to take an active role in bringing thoughtfulness and awareness to your community.
• You have decent written communication skills.
• You understand and support the work of Visionary Society, and have a special interest in this Project.
Ask soldiers to be thoughtful
Category:
Public event
Organize a public meeting on the role of soldiers in our community and our relationship with them:
– What is the responsibility of the soldier?
– Present insights on Real Peace.
– How to respond to conflicts we are in currently.
– Offer the Pledge for soldiers and civilians.
– Introduce the Peace Brigade for any conflict (for everyone involved, directly or indirectly).
Meetings
Hold a meeting on Real peace.
Present Topics on war, the responsibility of soldiers, and on specific conflicts.
Goal
Reach 25% of the soldiers in local military bases, through both direct engagement and various forms of advertising.
Other opportunities
Form a Peace Brigade for any conflict. (Stipend available.)
Pledge for police: Protect, Understand And Help. Help those in trouble, including victims and those causing harm. Provide the help they need to address root causes and real solutions. Enforcing the law is important, but so is responding to the living human being in front of you. (Stipend available.)
Organize a public meeting on the role of soldiers in our community and our relationship with them:
– What is the responsibility of the soldier?
– Present insights on Real Peace.
– How to respond to conflicts we are in currently.
– Offer the Pledge for soldiers and civilians.
– Introduce the Peace Brigade for any conflict (for everyone involved, directly or indirectly).
Meetings
Hold a meeting on Real peace.
Present Topics on war, the responsibility of soldiers, and on specific conflicts.
Goal
Reach 25% of the soldiers in local military bases, through both direct engagement and various forms of advertising.
Other opportunities
Form a Peace Brigade for any conflict. (Stipend available.)
Pledge for police: Protect, Understand And Help. Help those in trouble, including victims and those causing harm. Provide the help they need to address root causes and real solutions. Enforcing the law is important, but so is responding to the living human being in front of you. (Stipend available.)
What is a Guide?
Want to help create Visionary society in your community? Select a project that you care about.
A Guide is sensitive to the lives of others, an alternative to the myriad of professionals who are paid to compensate for dysfunction: security guards, police, therapists, psychiatrists, social service workers, life coaches, shamans. Guides are catalysts.
Most important, the Guide provides moral support and facilitates communication with anyone interested in the project.
Are you interested? This position is right for you if:
• You want to take an active role in bringing thoughtfulness and awareness to your community.
• You have decent written communication skills.
• You understand and support the work of Visionary Society, and have a special interest in this Project.
The Great No Public Event
Category:
Promote the event in advance throughout the community. And then help lead the event in a public space in the community.
– Explore. Selection of great insights on the meaning of the Great no.
– Reflect. Simple and Active meditation on the ways we repeat the platitudes of our lives.
– Present the Great no Pledge.
– Celebration of the good. Evening gathering to read or perform any thoughtful, inspiring works of any kind. There are plenty of excellent selections on this.
– Meeting on the Great no and related Visionary society issues such as Quest.
– Explore. Selection of great insights on the meaning of the Great no.
– Reflect. Simple and Active meditation on the ways we repeat the platitudes of our lives.
– Present the Great no Pledge.
– Celebration of the good. Evening gathering to read or perform any thoughtful, inspiring works of any kind. There are plenty of excellent selections on this.
– Meeting on the Great no and related Visionary society issues such as Quest.
What is a Guide?
Want to help create Visionary society in your community? Select a project that you care about.
A Guide is sensitive to the lives of others, an alternative to the myriad of professionals who are paid to compensate for dysfunction: security guards, police, therapists, psychiatrists, social service workers, life coaches, shamans. Guides are catalysts.
Most important, the Guide provides moral support and facilitates communication with anyone interested in the project.
Are you interested? This position is right for you if:
• You want to take an active role in bringing thoughtfulness and awareness to your community.
• You have decent written communication skills.
• You understand and support the work of Visionary Society, and have a special interest in this Project.
Create a new Valentine’s Day
Category:
In public spaces, and a variety of learning meetings and celebrations, explore the meaning of relationship and raise the possibility of true friendship.
The event is composed of two parts. Meetings to explore the meaning of love, compassion, forgiveness, non-violence, Friendshape, etc. An evening Celebration of the Good, to read aloud beautiful works about relationship in an informal setting. And Public action, to publicize this alternative ‘holiday’ in public spaces.
Request to florists and any store or organization promoting Valentine’s day, to explore the deeper side.
“Sex education is properly education in the capacity to love and not in how to make love.” Allen Bloom
How to facilitate a meeting
Each meeting should have a place for Visionary society tools such as Reflect (seeing your own position inside of this mess) and Explore (entertain positions you oppose). Most of all, meetings should create a climate of affection and reflection. We want to create a space for an unexpected solution.
Celebration of the Good.
The event is composed of two parts. Meetings to explore the meaning of love, compassion, forgiveness, non-violence, Friendshape, etc. An evening Celebration of the Good, to read aloud beautiful works about relationship in an informal setting. And Public action, to publicize this alternative ‘holiday’ in public spaces.
Request to florists and any store or organization promoting Valentine’s day, to explore the deeper side.
“Sex education is properly education in the capacity to love and not in how to make love.” Allen Bloom
How to facilitate a meeting
Each meeting should have a place for Visionary society tools such as Reflect (seeing your own position inside of this mess) and Explore (entertain positions you oppose). Most of all, meetings should create a climate of affection and reflection. We want to create a space for an unexpected solution.
Celebration of the Good.
What is a Guide?
Want to help create Visionary society in your community? Select a project that you care about.
A Guide is sensitive to the lives of others, an alternative to the myriad of professionals who are paid to compensate for dysfunction: security guards, police, therapists, psychiatrists, social service workers, life coaches, shamans. Guides are catalysts.
Most important, the Guide provides moral support and facilitates communication with anyone interested in the project.
Are you interested? This position is right for you if:
• You want to take an active role in bringing thoughtfulness and awareness to your community.
• You have decent written communication skills.
• You understand and support the work of Visionary Society, and have a special interest in this Project.
Soldiers have a tremendous vocation
Category:
The role of the soldier is greater than we assume. It is not just to follow orders, to defend the nation, to act with courage. That is well and good, as far as it goes, but doesn’t go far enough. Soldiers can do much more for their nation and for humanity, if they manage to retain their humanity, including their intelligence, conscience, and goodwill.
Many soldiers are idealistic, willing to sacrifice their very lives for a cause. But let’s make sure the cause is a good one.
Let’s begin by recognizing that there is a goal more important than victory or national interest. That is, there is something that supercedes our personal interests. How can we find out what that is? Well, at a minimum, we should give it a try, by trying to understand the nature of the conflicts in which we are involved, including the suffering, grievances and needs of all sides. There is always a place for the intelligence and conscience of the individual. We should think about the effects of what we do on others – on the opposing side, on our own society, and on ourselves.
The military demands a strict hierarchy of command and obedience. But this cannot release the human being from their responsibility. There are higher and prior standards to which all must refer. Soldiers have the right and responsibility to refuse illegal military orders, and to refuse to carry out a an excessively destructive policy. Organized conflict depends on the masses doing what they are told, by politicians, military officials, and the populace. That is what we have to interrupt. Put simply, don’t do it if it’s wrong!
Understanding is a first step but not sufficient. We need to find a resolution to the conflict. Not just a negotiated settlement, but a resolution that brings opposing sides together. That overcomes hatred and recognizes opponents as brothers and sisters.
The coercive power of the military should be limited to the protection of the innocent, and humanitarian intervention and relief. It should not be used to dominate the world, directly or through ‘aid,’ or to open society to corporate interests. It should use its massive organizational and technical capacity for constructive work, such as large scale infrastructure improvements and environmental restoration.
Putting an end to the cycle of ignorance and misunderstanding is a grand task. While still doing their duty, soldiers can use force for protection, assistance, and building, rather than merely aggression. They can act with understanding, compassion, and courage, fighting not just for victory, but for a lasting and meaningful resolution to conflict.
Many soldiers are idealistic, willing to sacrifice their very lives for a cause. But let’s make sure the cause is a good one.
Let’s begin by recognizing that there is a goal more important than victory or national interest. That is, there is something that supercedes our personal interests. How can we find out what that is? Well, at a minimum, we should give it a try, by trying to understand the nature of the conflicts in which we are involved, including the suffering, grievances and needs of all sides. There is always a place for the intelligence and conscience of the individual. We should think about the effects of what we do on others – on the opposing side, on our own society, and on ourselves.
The military demands a strict hierarchy of command and obedience. But this cannot release the human being from their responsibility. There are higher and prior standards to which all must refer. Soldiers have the right and responsibility to refuse illegal military orders, and to refuse to carry out a an excessively destructive policy. Organized conflict depends on the masses doing what they are told, by politicians, military officials, and the populace. That is what we have to interrupt. Put simply, don’t do it if it’s wrong!
Understanding is a first step but not sufficient. We need to find a resolution to the conflict. Not just a negotiated settlement, but a resolution that brings opposing sides together. That overcomes hatred and recognizes opponents as brothers and sisters.
The coercive power of the military should be limited to the protection of the innocent, and humanitarian intervention and relief. It should not be used to dominate the world, directly or through ‘aid,’ or to open society to corporate interests. It should use its massive organizational and technical capacity for constructive work, such as large scale infrastructure improvements and environmental restoration.
Putting an end to the cycle of ignorance and misunderstanding is a grand task. While still doing their duty, soldiers can use force for protection, assistance, and building, rather than merely aggression. They can act with understanding, compassion, and courage, fighting not just for victory, but for a lasting and meaningful resolution to conflict.
What is a Peace Brigade?
Category:
Think you can’t do anything about war? Let’s form a Peace Brigade for any conflict in which participants take a pledge to establish genuine communication with the opposing side, and act at the root level of a conflict.
Peace brigade envisions solutions that are impossible now but could be possible with entirely different psychologies. We can replace the function of the United Nations and the military by creating a living network of real relationships between those on opposing sides of geopolitical struggles.
There is no way out of a cycle of violence. The perpetrator must transform himself, but we are all perpetrators. There are many ways in which we ourselves foment violence. We need to recognize this and desist – not singly, but in an explicit collaborative effort that links together expanding groups of peace practitioners to create islands of real peace.
We must begin with more than we actually have. Let’s admit that we really don’t know what the objectives of either side are or what the real causes of the conflict are. Admit that we are ignorant, confused, biased, that we can’t see even the most obvious truths.
A first step is listening with compassion to the other side, trying to understand their suffering and grievances. Peace is understanding the position of the other side. But there’s a limit to how much good that can do. Strange to say, but neither compassion nor reason is going to get us very far. What we have called the peace process is a farce. Could it be that our very compassion is what’s causing the problem?
It might be closer to the truth to say that both sides are wrong. Or that both sides are right and both sides are wrong. There will always be right and wrong, truth and ignorance. The point is not to find out who is right. It’s not even to find a solution. It’s to create one. How can we do that? It’s really pretty simple to say. What we need – all we need – is the courage of heart and soul. How can we get that? The first thing, and the main thing, is to not get caught up in rhetoric. That is far more important and far more difficult than it seems. In times of war social pressure is immense. In order to avoid it we have to combat all of society, all of history, all of biology. That is what we need for freedom, and for peace.
Starting very small, in one tiny group, as few as two or three people (but more than one), in the place that we are right now, we will think and reflect with goodwill, refining our vision, preparing ourselves to go forth with tenderness in the face of brutality, the brutality of those on the other side of the world and among our own friends and family. Civilians and soldiers on each side going forth with a message of insight and immensity.
Don’t be swept by the human tide
Grasp the suffering of the other side
Complete resolution is the goal
Have the courage of heart and soul
Peace Brigade Pledge
Put an end to war in yourself
Understand your own role in conflict and aggression. Recognize your own brutality.
Question your need for power, position, prestige, money.
Atone as far as possible for the wrongs you inflict on others.
Reduce indirect complicity in harm, such as overconsumption and greed.
Don't participate in violent cultural activities.
Respect the sanctity of human life and all life.
Become capable of peace.
How to approach a conflict
Meet your opponent with goodwill.
Don’t argue with an opinion you oppose.
Understand the grievances of the opposing side.
Understand the suffering of the opposing side.
Discover whatever is good in the opposing side.
Celebrate the opposing culture.
Find for the flaws, but focus on the good.
Collaborate with any and all peace actors and organizations.
Resolution
Instead of demanding change, ask for understanding.
Find a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, that works at the heart level.
Active collaboration with any and all people and organizations.
Ask not what you can gain, but what you can give.
Look at evil with the eyes of a mother
Always use humble love.
Peace brigade envisions solutions that are impossible now but could be possible with entirely different psychologies. We can replace the function of the United Nations and the military by creating a living network of real relationships between those on opposing sides of geopolitical struggles.
There is no way out of a cycle of violence. The perpetrator must transform himself, but we are all perpetrators. There are many ways in which we ourselves foment violence. We need to recognize this and desist – not singly, but in an explicit collaborative effort that links together expanding groups of peace practitioners to create islands of real peace.
We must begin with more than we actually have. Let’s admit that we really don’t know what the objectives of either side are or what the real causes of the conflict are. Admit that we are ignorant, confused, biased, that we can’t see even the most obvious truths.
A first step is listening with compassion to the other side, trying to understand their suffering and grievances. Peace is understanding the position of the other side. But there’s a limit to how much good that can do. Strange to say, but neither compassion nor reason is going to get us very far. What we have called the peace process is a farce. Could it be that our very compassion is what’s causing the problem?
It might be closer to the truth to say that both sides are wrong. Or that both sides are right and both sides are wrong. There will always be right and wrong, truth and ignorance. The point is not to find out who is right. It’s not even to find a solution. It’s to create one. How can we do that? It’s really pretty simple to say. What we need – all we need – is the courage of heart and soul. How can we get that? The first thing, and the main thing, is to not get caught up in rhetoric. That is far more important and far more difficult than it seems. In times of war social pressure is immense. In order to avoid it we have to combat all of society, all of history, all of biology. That is what we need for freedom, and for peace.
Starting very small, in one tiny group, as few as two or three people (but more than one), in the place that we are right now, we will think and reflect with goodwill, refining our vision, preparing ourselves to go forth with tenderness in the face of brutality, the brutality of those on the other side of the world and among our own friends and family. Civilians and soldiers on each side going forth with a message of insight and immensity.
Don’t be swept by the human tide
Grasp the suffering of the other side
Complete resolution is the goal
Have the courage of heart and soul
Peace Brigade Pledge
Put an end to war in yourself
Understand your own role in conflict and aggression. Recognize your own brutality.
Question your need for power, position, prestige, money.
Atone as far as possible for the wrongs you inflict on others.
Reduce indirect complicity in harm, such as overconsumption and greed.
Don't participate in violent cultural activities.
Respect the sanctity of human life and all life.
Become capable of peace.
How to approach a conflict
Meet your opponent with goodwill.
Don’t argue with an opinion you oppose.
Understand the grievances of the opposing side.
Understand the suffering of the opposing side.
Discover whatever is good in the opposing side.
Celebrate the opposing culture.
Find for the flaws, but focus on the good.
Collaborate with any and all peace actors and organizations.
Resolution
Instead of demanding change, ask for understanding.
Find a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, that works at the heart level.
Active collaboration with any and all people and organizations.
Ask not what you can gain, but what you can give.
Look at evil with the eyes of a mother
Always use humble love.
Public action
Present Real Peace and introduce the Peace Brigade to the person on the street. Show how it is possible to reimangine standard approaches to conflict. The event can be as simple as a couple of people going to a public square and handing out leaflets, and presenting a process of genuine reflection. It could also be more involved, including giving talks on local radio stations or engaging the local media.
How can we expect change if people are not shown that it is possible? That is our only real task. After that, they will participate as much or as little as they like. We will reach the exact amount of peace that we deserve.
Gather in any public space, with friends, and stand silently, reflecting on the conflict without taking sides. Walk in circles through the most restless areas, holding hands, weaving in and out, smiling gently, saying nothing but absorbing everything.
– Insights on real peace
– Introduce meetings and Celebration of the good
– Introduce the Peace Brigade
– Pledge for soldiers, police, security guards
– Give back the night to women
Celebration of the good
Celebration of the Good is an experiment in entertainment, a new way to pass the time with strangers and friends. It is an introduction to amazing things, people, places, events, a way to celebrate beauty and truth and good. Reading aloud of beautiful or profound thoughts on what is real peace.
Meetings
Meetings on specific conflicts. Listen to their grievances and suffering of your opponents. Do not judge, argue, or try to convince.
City-wide learning
Public meeting on a larger scale. As a kind of expanded meeting, it can include speakers from local organizations. The main thing is that it supercedes politics and ideology, that it addresses the root issue, is based in the psyche and the soul, and that it creates a climate of affection and reflection.
Pledge for soldiers, police, security guards, and any professionals involved in social dysfunction
Soldiers: Fight for the good
There is a goal more important the victory or national interest. While still doing their duty, soldiers also exercise compassion. Use force for protection, assistance, and building, rather than merely aggression. Fight for a lasting and meaningful resolution to conflict.
Police: Develop a new ethic for public safety and well-being
Enforcing the law is important, but so is responding to the living human being in front of you. Help those in trouble, including victims and those causing harm. Address root causes and real solutions.
Instead of merely 'Protect and Serve,' we can turn aggression into helpfulness – using conflict, struggle, dysfunction, and misery as an opportunity for understanding and helpfulness.
Security guards
Transform security guards into security guides. Redefine the role of security guards as helping, resolving, teaching, and sharing, rather than commanding and enforcing. Turn Security Guards into Security Guides and the People's Ombudsman.
Gandhi, Qualifications for a Peace Brigade
"This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth. Thus, if he is a Hindu, he will respect the other faiths current in India. He must, therefore, possess a knowledge of the general principles of the different faiths professed in the country." Gandhi is speaking about the qualifications for the 'peace brigade' he envisioned. The Gandhi Reader, page 342, from Harijan, 1938.
Qualifications for a Peace Brigade
(1) He or she must have a living faith in nonviolence. This is impossible without a living faith in God. Without it he won’t have the courage to die without anger, without fear and without retaliation.
(2) This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth.
(3) Generally speaking, this work of peace can only be done by local men in their own localities.
(4) The work can be done singly or in groups.
(6) Needless to say, a peace bringer must have a character beyond reproach and must be known for his strict impartiality.
(7) The peace brigade will not wait till the conflagration breaks out but will try to handle the situation in anticipation.
(8) The idea is to have as many good and true men and women as possible.
Present Real Peace and introduce the Peace Brigade to the person on the street. Show how it is possible to reimangine standard approaches to conflict. The event can be as simple as a couple of people going to a public square and handing out leaflets, and presenting a process of genuine reflection. It could also be more involved, including giving talks on local radio stations or engaging the local media.
How can we expect change if people are not shown that it is possible? That is our only real task. After that, they will participate as much or as little as they like. We will reach the exact amount of peace that we deserve.
Gather in any public space, with friends, and stand silently, reflecting on the conflict without taking sides. Walk in circles through the most restless areas, holding hands, weaving in and out, smiling gently, saying nothing but absorbing everything.
– Insights on real peace
– Introduce meetings and Celebration of the good
– Introduce the Peace Brigade
– Pledge for soldiers, police, security guards
– Give back the night to women
Celebration of the good
Celebration of the Good is an experiment in entertainment, a new way to pass the time with strangers and friends. It is an introduction to amazing things, people, places, events, a way to celebrate beauty and truth and good. Reading aloud of beautiful or profound thoughts on what is real peace.
Meetings
Meetings on specific conflicts. Listen to their grievances and suffering of your opponents. Do not judge, argue, or try to convince.
City-wide learning
Public meeting on a larger scale. As a kind of expanded meeting, it can include speakers from local organizations. The main thing is that it supercedes politics and ideology, that it addresses the root issue, is based in the psyche and the soul, and that it creates a climate of affection and reflection.
Pledge for soldiers, police, security guards, and any professionals involved in social dysfunction
Soldiers: Fight for the good
There is a goal more important the victory or national interest. While still doing their duty, soldiers also exercise compassion. Use force for protection, assistance, and building, rather than merely aggression. Fight for a lasting and meaningful resolution to conflict.
Police: Develop a new ethic for public safety and well-being
Enforcing the law is important, but so is responding to the living human being in front of you. Help those in trouble, including victims and those causing harm. Address root causes and real solutions.
Instead of merely 'Protect and Serve,' we can turn aggression into helpfulness – using conflict, struggle, dysfunction, and misery as an opportunity for understanding and helpfulness.
Security guards
Transform security guards into security guides. Redefine the role of security guards as helping, resolving, teaching, and sharing, rather than commanding and enforcing. Turn Security Guards into Security Guides and the People's Ombudsman.
Gandhi, Qualifications for a Peace Brigade
"This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth. Thus, if he is a Hindu, he will respect the other faiths current in India. He must, therefore, possess a knowledge of the general principles of the different faiths professed in the country." Gandhi is speaking about the qualifications for the 'peace brigade' he envisioned. The Gandhi Reader, page 342, from Harijan, 1938.
Qualifications for a Peace Brigade
(1) He or she must have a living faith in nonviolence. This is impossible without a living faith in God. Without it he won’t have the courage to die without anger, without fear and without retaliation.
(2) This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth.
(3) Generally speaking, this work of peace can only be done by local men in their own localities.
(4) The work can be done singly or in groups.
(6) Needless to say, a peace bringer must have a character beyond reproach and must be known for his strict impartiality.
(7) The peace brigade will not wait till the conflagration breaks out but will try to handle the situation in anticipation.
(8) The idea is to have as many good and true men and women as possible.
Beautiful books
Category:
The purpose of Beautiful Books is to promote and celebrate beautiful art. We want to remind each other that culture can lift and inspire, inform and transform. Goodness, beauty and truth exist. Let’s join together to rediscover what this is.
We are simply offering basic principles of meaningful art – not providing a list of works that we condemn or commend. That will always be subjective, and should be entirely up to individuals. Our goal is simply to provide a public forum for the shared attempt at discovering meaningful art.
We seek only obvious, self-evident principles that anyone would agree to. We invite all to contribute any piece they think meets these principles.
Beautiful Books is a counterpart to Banned Books. Instead of selecting works because they had been banned, Beautiful Books has readings, discussion and performances of works that are considered beautiful by members.
Beautiful Books supports works of art that express the deeper dimensions of our humanity. There is no limit to beauty, in the natural world, or even, potentially, in society. But beauty is adrift, under assault, in need of a friend. Let us be a friend to beauty. Freedom of the expression of ideas is always valid, but we also need to know what is especially worthy of being expressed.
By joining the steps below members can help plan and stage the very first Beautiful Books event. In addition they can use Visionary Society Challenges and Requests to encourage wider participation and awareness. Hopefully this will become an annual occurrence and grow to multiple locations.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters. In addition to public readings and performances, we present Challenges and Requests: a way for individuals and businesses to make significant choices to bring meaningful culture into the world.
We’re looking for a Guide for this Proposal. A stipend for volunteers ($100 - $250) is available.
Application
We are simply offering basic principles of meaningful art – not providing a list of works that we condemn or commend. That will always be subjective, and should be entirely up to individuals. Our goal is simply to provide a public forum for the shared attempt at discovering meaningful art.
We seek only obvious, self-evident principles that anyone would agree to. We invite all to contribute any piece they think meets these principles.
Beautiful Books is a counterpart to Banned Books. Instead of selecting works because they had been banned, Beautiful Books has readings, discussion and performances of works that are considered beautiful by members.
Beautiful Books supports works of art that express the deeper dimensions of our humanity. There is no limit to beauty, in the natural world, or even, potentially, in society. But beauty is adrift, under assault, in need of a friend. Let us be a friend to beauty. Freedom of the expression of ideas is always valid, but we also need to know what is especially worthy of being expressed.
By joining the steps below members can help plan and stage the very first Beautiful Books event. In addition they can use Visionary Society Challenges and Requests to encourage wider participation and awareness. Hopefully this will become an annual occurrence and grow to multiple locations.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters. In addition to public readings and performances, we present Challenges and Requests: a way for individuals and businesses to make significant choices to bring meaningful culture into the world.
We’re looking for a Guide for this Proposal. A stipend for volunteers ($100 - $250) is available.
Application
Beautiful Books
Category:
Do you believe beauty, good and truth exist, that it is possible to find out what these are and to defend them in popular culture? Join us in creating Beautiful Books. Beautiful Books has readings, discussion and performances of works that are considered beautiful by members.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters.
There are a number of ways to get involved. Explore whatever interests you. Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers.
Develop and manage the Beautiful Books event.
City-wide publicity to build awareness of the event.
Seek support from arts organizations.
Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers. Additional stipends are available for this.
Help collect a list of potential films, performances, monuments and works of any kind that are ‘beautiful’ - a historical era or event, and anything.
Develop and act on a strategy for publicity, including holding at least one meeting and getting volunteers involved.
Plan for meetings
– Review Beautiful Books principles
– Discuss options for potential performances and events (see Resources for ideas on this).
– Decide on the kinds of performances (and possibly the specific works) we will be presenting.
– Begin to decide on the readers, performers and actual works (readings, films, paintings, performances, etc.) that will be highlighted at the event. There should also be opportunities for individuals to add their own).
General Publicity
City-wide publicity is of particular importance. We need to build awareness over a period of months leading up to the events, on radio, newspapers, etc., and then make a special effort during the week of the Events.
– Publicize Beautiful Books throughout town, in as many ways as feasible (including flyers, ads, distribution of cards and flyers, etc.) Post flyers at café, libraries and bookstores and more.
Develop the marketing tools
We need all the materials, posters, flyers that we will present to the public and interested parties, including design work, developing the proofs and publishing, to create engaging, quality posters or flyers.
Press releases.
Seek support from arts organizations
Contact local arts organizations. Ask them to support and collaborate with Beautiful Books and participate in events, including providing locations for the event. Work with them for practical planning. Include libraries, bookstores, cinemas, theaters, college departments of dance, music, speech and theatre arts.
Helpful qualifications
Belief in what we’re doing.
Knowledge of a variety of local arts organizations.
Communications skills (for example, radio shows, TV, newspaper). Contacts radio and television desirable.
Marketing skills, including creating posters, press releases and ads.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters.
There are a number of ways to get involved. Explore whatever interests you. Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers.
Develop and manage the Beautiful Books event.
City-wide publicity to build awareness of the event.
Seek support from arts organizations.
Delegate as many tasks as possible to volunteers. Additional stipends are available for this.
Help collect a list of potential films, performances, monuments and works of any kind that are ‘beautiful’ - a historical era or event, and anything.
Develop and act on a strategy for publicity, including holding at least one meeting and getting volunteers involved.
Plan for meetings
– Review Beautiful Books principles
– Discuss options for potential performances and events (see Resources for ideas on this).
– Decide on the kinds of performances (and possibly the specific works) we will be presenting.
– Begin to decide on the readers, performers and actual works (readings, films, paintings, performances, etc.) that will be highlighted at the event. There should also be opportunities for individuals to add their own).
General Publicity
City-wide publicity is of particular importance. We need to build awareness over a period of months leading up to the events, on radio, newspapers, etc., and then make a special effort during the week of the Events.
– Publicize Beautiful Books throughout town, in as many ways as feasible (including flyers, ads, distribution of cards and flyers, etc.) Post flyers at café, libraries and bookstores and more.
Develop the marketing tools
We need all the materials, posters, flyers that we will present to the public and interested parties, including design work, developing the proofs and publishing, to create engaging, quality posters or flyers.
Press releases.
Seek support from arts organizations
Contact local arts organizations. Ask them to support and collaborate with Beautiful Books and participate in events, including providing locations for the event. Work with them for practical planning. Include libraries, bookstores, cinemas, theaters, college departments of dance, music, speech and theatre arts.
Helpful qualifications
Belief in what we’re doing.
Knowledge of a variety of local arts organizations.
Communications skills (for example, radio shows, TV, newspaper). Contacts radio and television desirable.
Marketing skills, including creating posters, press releases and ads.
What is Understanding?
Category:
Understanding is not education or teaching, the imparting of knowledge. That is archaic, a kind of totalitarianism. Yes, we can absorb facts and ideas, but they bounce back uselessly. It’s as if we were blindfolded, able to see only shapes and shadows. We have biases we are not aware of. We seldom see what is in right front of us, see it for what it . The animating principle, the secret message, the ultimate result.
Understanding is different. It is not what you decide, but how far you see and how deeply you care. It is thoughtfulness, affection and even soulfulness in the face of any social or personal issue.
There is always a place for being aware. Talking with a friend, walking down the street, surfing the Internet, watching a film, sitting in a classroom – it doesn’t matter. Nothing exists solely for its own stake, and nothing stands or falls on its own. Take a moment to reflect on the ramifications of what you do.
Enter a still, silent space. Simply seeing a point of view that is not your own is already most of the way. There is always a heart of gold, even if it is covered in mud.
Enter the heart, gently, patiently, humbly, courageously. Question all assumptions, including belief and instinct. Ask questions that matter. What does it stand for? What is its goal? What is its effect on people, society, nature? Does it lead to or diminish freedom, beauty, relationship?
☆ Experience it on its own terms. When you finally see it for what it is, it’s power over you disappears and you can operate with freedom. If you go far enough, finding the original cause, the essential elements, you will resolve a problem before it starts.
Reach toward, embrace, and, for one illuminating moment, enter the heart. Behind the semblance, the living, fiery truth is there. An insight works its way through the inert. It dissolves unrecognized assumptions, entrenched biases, mindless reflexes. It liberates from bondage to appearances. It reveals secrets, resolves dilemmas, unleashes possibilities. It puts an end to isolation. It brings together subject and object. It is the deepest prayer, the ultimate happiness.
How to understanding anything.
Begin
Decide to find the truth. Love understanding.
Decide to look within, underneath, beyond, not just once but continually.
Be willing to sacrifice for it, and to undergo test and trial.
Do not lie to yourself. Remove the scales from your eyes.
Find out for yourself. Don’t believe you are told. Question your assumptions, beliefs, influences and biases. (The great no.)
Combat whatever is given by nature, culture, ideology.
Do not appeal to or blame leaders.
Do not look to government or business for a solution.
Conceive of the mystery. What enigma lies at the root? Ask the impossible question.
Learn how to see, to listen.
Perspectives
Find the flaw. Find out how the contrary is true.
Focus on the good. Everything has an element of truth. Find the good in what you disagree with.
Find the center, the motive, purpose, goal and soul.
Look right into its heart, and rest there.
Look for the truth of another person or perspective, especially if it differs from your own.
Goodwill
Instead of looking for or demanding change, ask for understanding. Seek mutual agreement.
Look for the grandeur of a human being.
Instead of looking for or demanding change, ask for understanding. Seek mutual agreement.
Ask for contrition, reflection, empathy.
Address the full range of needs and interests, including spirituality, adventurousness, solidarity, equality, idealism (See more from Erich Fromm)
Don’t claim that your views are superior to others.
Resolution
Don't assume that our present choices are a permanent fact. Don't assume the permanent existence of factions.
Address underlying causes first, then external needs. (The opposite of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.)
Don’t give up until you reach the heart.
You have not finished a topic until you have resolved it, until the 'enigma' has been resolved.
Transform the dynamics of the problem at the root
Find a way that all sides can agree with.
Find a way that works at the heart level.
Find transcendent qualities in the particular, the good, beautiful and sacred.
Find what unites us. See how we are the same as others, not different.
Act at the level at which harm is being generated.
Understanding is different. It is not what you decide, but how far you see and how deeply you care. It is thoughtfulness, affection and even soulfulness in the face of any social or personal issue.
There is always a place for being aware. Talking with a friend, walking down the street, surfing the Internet, watching a film, sitting in a classroom – it doesn’t matter. Nothing exists solely for its own stake, and nothing stands or falls on its own. Take a moment to reflect on the ramifications of what you do.
Enter a still, silent space. Simply seeing a point of view that is not your own is already most of the way. There is always a heart of gold, even if it is covered in mud.
Enter the heart, gently, patiently, humbly, courageously. Question all assumptions, including belief and instinct. Ask questions that matter. What does it stand for? What is its goal? What is its effect on people, society, nature? Does it lead to or diminish freedom, beauty, relationship?
☆ Experience it on its own terms. When you finally see it for what it is, it’s power over you disappears and you can operate with freedom. If you go far enough, finding the original cause, the essential elements, you will resolve a problem before it starts.
Reach toward, embrace, and, for one illuminating moment, enter the heart. Behind the semblance, the living, fiery truth is there. An insight works its way through the inert. It dissolves unrecognized assumptions, entrenched biases, mindless reflexes. It liberates from bondage to appearances. It reveals secrets, resolves dilemmas, unleashes possibilities. It puts an end to isolation. It brings together subject and object. It is the deepest prayer, the ultimate happiness.
How to understanding anything.
Begin
Decide to find the truth. Love understanding.
Decide to look within, underneath, beyond, not just once but continually.
Be willing to sacrifice for it, and to undergo test and trial.
Do not lie to yourself. Remove the scales from your eyes.
Find out for yourself. Don’t believe
Combat whatever is given by nature, culture, ideology.
Do not appeal to or blame leaders.
Do not look to government or business for a solution.
Conceive of the mystery. What enigma lies at the root? Ask the impossible question.
Learn how to see, to listen.
Perspectives
Find the flaw. Find out how the contrary is true.
Focus on the good. Everything has an element of truth. Find the good in what you disagree with.
Find the center, the motive, purpose, goal and soul.
Look right into its heart, and rest there.
Look for the truth of another person or perspective, especially if it differs from your own.
Goodwill
Instead of looking for or demanding change, ask for understanding. Seek mutual agreement.
Look for the grandeur of a human being.
Instead of looking for or demanding change, ask for understanding. Seek mutual agreement.
Ask for contrition, reflection, empathy.
Address the full range of needs and interests, including spirituality, adventurousness, solidarity, equality, idealism (See more from Erich Fromm)
Don’t claim that your views are superior to others.
Resolution
Don't assume that our present choices are a permanent fact. Don't assume the permanent existence of factions.
Address underlying causes first, then external needs. (The opposite of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.)
Don’t give up until you reach the heart.
You have not finished a topic until you have resolved it, until the 'enigma' has been resolved.
Transform the dynamics of the problem at the root
Find a way that all sides can agree with.
Find a way that works at the heart level.
Find transcendent qualities in the particular, the good, beautiful and sacred.
Find what unites us. See how we are the same as others, not different.
Act at the level at which harm is being generated.
Visionary Tanzania (Project plan)
Category:
Travelers by the millions visit hot tourist spots around the world, often traveling thousands of miles and spending thousands of dollars. Everywhere they go are people in need, and countless non-profit organizations already working to help them. But there is a disconnect. They know very little about each other. There is a disconnect between the travelers, the local population, and the non-profits that serve them. We can begin to restore the fracture of humanity by bringing these groups together.
The work that non-profits do – education, health care, providing emergency services, etc – is needed and useful. But we should recognize that it is external. Of even greater importance than external help is help that is internal, healing the fractures that created the suffering to begin with.
Every traveler should be asked for thoughtfulness, and to help at least a little. Offering the chance for awareness and sensitivity is a service that we can provide that is potentially of great value. It’s quite possible that travelers will be willing to spend a small portion of their budget on helping the local population.
Visionary Tanzania is meant to be a model for bringing together people that have been split apart. If we can show that it works here, it can work anywhere. I’m already speaking with friends in the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia about possibly doing something similar there.
Develop and maintain a portfolio of organizations
Begin by developing a list of non-profits of all types (organized by type). Since there are so many organizations, let’s try to focus on those that have a strong sense of personal involvement and working from the heart. That is more important than powerful organizations with professional staff.
We need to create a modern, polished, engaging presentation for each organization, including videos, brochures, and possibly products or other materials. And we need to figure out how to present this in a very small display (probably about one square foot) and also online, so that it is easy to grasp.
Perhaps we can have three video clips for each organization. One brief clip (one or two minutes) with practical information, one brief clip (also one or two minutes) with a personal statement from someone directly involved, sharing how it works at the heart level. And then possibly a longer clip (about 5 minutes).
The brochure should be polished and attractive, with all necessary information.
The center
– Our center can begin very simply and inexpensively, even if it is just a space in an existing café, hotel, restaurant or office. (It could also be a separate storefront.) Later we can expand when the initial results justify that.
– In its simplest form we just need a large wall (about 2.5 x 2.0 meters) and space for 4 chairs and a small table. The wall should have room for displays of about 20 – 100 organizations, with brochures and images), and a fairly large video screen. It should have air conditioning. And it should be decorated with thoughtful, artistic and beautiful materials.
Operations
– Everyone is welcome to visit the center. We should offer a heartfelt welcome and a free drink (juice, coffee or tea), without any expectations about whether the visitor will contribute in any way.
– The Guide should introduce each visitor to the center personally, explaining the purpose and helping them select organizations that might be of interest.
– Visitors can contribute any way they like, or not at all.
– Contributing funds is good. But we can also try to offer other opportunities (such as purchasing artwork, learning, visiting, volunteering, viewing a video, etc.)
Publicity
How can we get the word out? By making an effort to inform every traveler to Zanzibar of this opportunity (or as many as possible). How can we do that? Social media (Facebook, Instagram, and direct online advertising, for example). Posters around town. Most important, the Guide can go onto the streets and greet travelers directly, with intelligence and affection, and show them the new opportunities we are providing.
Our website should have the same information available in the center. And visitors from around the world should be able to engage online.
Expenses and income
We’ll need to establish a budget before beginning, including the initial investment developing the portfolio, materials and supplies for the center, rent and staffing. To make all this feasible and sustainable we’ll have to keep costs low, especially concerning the ongoing costs of rent and staff.
For income, we can reasonably expect to take 10 – 20% of proceeds for administrative expenses.
I am thinking that I (Geoff) may be able to provide about $5,000 in startup costs for the first year, which is about $400 per month, or possibly $200 for rent of the space and $200 for staff. At first we won't have any income, but we should soon be taking in some funds. With the new income we could afford to pay more for rent and staff, and reduce the amount that I myself will need to pay.
Most important and essential is complete transparency to all involved on how all proceeds are used.
Guides
The Guide is someone who is sensitive to the lives of others. They should be compassionate, intelligent, capable of speaking English, and have standard office skills such as use of computers, Internet, writing, etc. The most important work of the guide is recognizing newcomers for who they are, to see with the heart, and to be able to explain what is the real purpose and value of our work.
OTHER POSSIBLE PROGRAMS
EVENING GATHERING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
Let’s invite anyone in need, and anyone who has a strong sense of the soul, to an evening gathering to celebrate what matters and explore what is heartfelt in their life. We are looking for anyone who wants more than success and happiness – who is striving for beauty and goodness in the world.
The gathering should be in a pleasant location, with air conditioning, simple beverages and possibly even some kind of food. Perhaps we can provide an inexpensive gift at the conclusion of the meeting. Although the meeting of course will have a serious intent, we should also try to make it fun and inspiring.
Meeting process
– Introduction to Visionary society and Visionary Tanzania.
– Reading aloud of important, insightful writings on matters of importance. We may also include short songs or video clips. These should be the best works that we can find, mostly provided by Visionary society, but some create locally. This is not about feeling good. It’s about reaching the heart and soul of anything we read, sing or perform.
– There should be time for reflection, a kind of guided meditation, facilitated by the Guide.
– A talking circle in which everyone has the chance to share something of importance in their life. What they care about, what is missing, what they would like to see happen, and what are their hopes and dreams.
– Participants will have the opportunity to get started adding their own Proposal or informal organization to Visionary Tanzania (something they’d like help with or how they want to help others.) Resources guiding people to where they might be able to find help should also be available.
GRANTS FOR ANYONE WHO ENTERS A PROCESS OF AWARENESS OF SELF AND SOCIETY
We may be able to provide grants of $100 - $500 for those choose depth in their life, for those who can show that they will use the funds to make their lives and the world better.
Helping people in need is good, but by itself it only makes the world more homogenous. More important is sensitivity to life. We need to challenge each other to become more than we are, to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To cultivate the work of art that is our life. To help each other get the help we need to create a better life and a better world. We are looking for people who are in need, but who also are seeking the utmost.
Process
– Participants agree to enter a process of introspection, reflection and action in any area of life: understanding, relationship, work, politics, creativity and beauty, politics or society.
– In order to help participants prepare, we could ask them to come to weekly meetings on various topics. In addition to spending funds on a personal goal, particpants should also plan for how they can do something for the world.
– After training and exploring, each participant presents a plan for what they would like to see in their lives and in the world, and how they will use provided funds. The plan can be anything, such as starting a business, taking a course, engaging in their vocation.
– We will provide training and ask for an agreement or Pledge, which is a fundamental reorientation in any area of life.
– We will provide grants from $100 to $500.
What is Visionary society?
Visionary society means undertaking a deeper way of life in each part of our life. It’s a place to challenge each other to be more than we are. It’s a way of satisfying our thirst to live in the society we envision.
Do you want to live your life halfway, superficialy, following the crowd? Or do you want to break through the static, to find the real?
Visionary society is meant to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To show that there is a place for goodness in the world, for the soul.
The work that non-profits do – education, health care, providing emergency services, etc – is needed and useful. But we should recognize that it is external. Of even greater importance than external help is help that is internal, healing the fractures that created the suffering to begin with.
Every traveler should be asked for thoughtfulness, and to help at least a little. Offering the chance for awareness and sensitivity is a service that we can provide that is potentially of great value. It’s quite possible that travelers will be willing to spend a small portion of their budget on helping the local population.
Visionary Tanzania is meant to be a model for bringing together people that have been split apart. If we can show that it works here, it can work anywhere. I’m already speaking with friends in the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia about possibly doing something similar there.
Develop and maintain a portfolio of organizations
Begin by developing a list of non-profits of all types (organized by type). Since there are so many organizations, let’s try to focus on those that have a strong sense of personal involvement and working from the heart. That is more important than powerful organizations with professional staff.
We need to create a modern, polished, engaging presentation for each organization, including videos, brochures, and possibly products or other materials. And we need to figure out how to present this in a very small display (probably about one square foot) and also online, so that it is easy to grasp.
Perhaps we can have three video clips for each organization. One brief clip (one or two minutes) with practical information, one brief clip (also one or two minutes) with a personal statement from someone directly involved, sharing how it works at the heart level. And then possibly a longer clip (about 5 minutes).
The brochure should be polished and attractive, with all necessary information.
The center
– Our center can begin very simply and inexpensively, even if it is just a space in an existing café, hotel, restaurant or office. (It could also be a separate storefront.) Later we can expand when the initial results justify that.
– In its simplest form we just need a large wall (about 2.5 x 2.0 meters) and space for 4 chairs and a small table. The wall should have room for displays of about 20 – 100 organizations, with brochures and images), and a fairly large video screen. It should have air conditioning. And it should be decorated with thoughtful, artistic and beautiful materials.
Operations
– Everyone is welcome to visit the center. We should offer a heartfelt welcome and a free drink (juice, coffee or tea), without any expectations about whether the visitor will contribute in any way.
– The Guide should introduce each visitor to the center personally, explaining the purpose and helping them select organizations that might be of interest.
– Visitors can contribute any way they like, or not at all.
– Contributing funds is good. But we can also try to offer other opportunities (such as purchasing artwork, learning, visiting, volunteering, viewing a video, etc.)
Publicity
How can we get the word out? By making an effort to inform every traveler to Zanzibar of this opportunity (or as many as possible). How can we do that? Social media (Facebook, Instagram, and direct online advertising, for example). Posters around town. Most important, the Guide can go onto the streets and greet travelers directly, with intelligence and affection, and show them the new opportunities we are providing.
Our website should have the same information available in the center. And visitors from around the world should be able to engage online.
Expenses and income
We’ll need to establish a budget before beginning, including the initial investment developing the portfolio, materials and supplies for the center, rent and staffing. To make all this feasible and sustainable we’ll have to keep costs low, especially concerning the ongoing costs of rent and staff.
For income, we can reasonably expect to take 10 – 20% of proceeds for administrative expenses.
I am thinking that I (Geoff) may be able to provide about $5,000 in startup costs for the first year, which is about $400 per month, or possibly $200 for rent of the space and $200 for staff. At first we won't have any income, but we should soon be taking in some funds. With the new income we could afford to pay more for rent and staff, and reduce the amount that I myself will need to pay.
Most important and essential is complete transparency to all involved on how all proceeds are used.
Guides
The Guide is someone who is sensitive to the lives of others. They should be compassionate, intelligent, capable of speaking English, and have standard office skills such as use of computers, Internet, writing, etc. The most important work of the guide is recognizing newcomers for who they are, to see with the heart, and to be able to explain what is the real purpose and value of our work.
OTHER POSSIBLE PROGRAMS
EVENING GATHERING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
Let’s invite anyone in need, and anyone who has a strong sense of the soul, to an evening gathering to celebrate what matters and explore what is heartfelt in their life. We are looking for anyone who wants more than success and happiness – who is striving for beauty and goodness in the world.
The gathering should be in a pleasant location, with air conditioning, simple beverages and possibly even some kind of food. Perhaps we can provide an inexpensive gift at the conclusion of the meeting. Although the meeting of course will have a serious intent, we should also try to make it fun and inspiring.
Meeting process
– Introduction to Visionary society and Visionary Tanzania.
– Reading aloud of important, insightful writings on matters of importance. We may also include short songs or video clips. These should be the best works that we can find, mostly provided by Visionary society, but some create locally. This is not about feeling good. It’s about reaching the heart and soul of anything we read, sing or perform.
– There should be time for reflection, a kind of guided meditation, facilitated by the Guide.
– A talking circle in which everyone has the chance to share something of importance in their life. What they care about, what is missing, what they would like to see happen, and what are their hopes and dreams.
– Participants will have the opportunity to get started adding their own Proposal or informal organization to Visionary Tanzania (something they’d like help with or how they want to help others.) Resources guiding people to where they might be able to find help should also be available.
GRANTS FOR ANYONE WHO ENTERS A PROCESS OF AWARENESS OF SELF AND SOCIETY
We may be able to provide grants of $100 - $500 for those choose depth in their life, for those who can show that they will use the funds to make their lives and the world better.
Helping people in need is good, but by itself it only makes the world more homogenous. More important is sensitivity to life. We need to challenge each other to become more than we are, to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To cultivate the work of art that is our life. To help each other get the help we need to create a better life and a better world. We are looking for people who are in need, but who also are seeking the utmost.
Process
– Participants agree to enter a process of introspection, reflection and action in any area of life: understanding, relationship, work, politics, creativity and beauty, politics or society.
– In order to help participants prepare, we could ask them to come to weekly meetings on various topics. In addition to spending funds on a personal goal, particpants should also plan for how they can do something for the world.
– After training and exploring, each participant presents a plan for what they would like to see in their lives and in the world, and how they will use provided funds. The plan can be anything, such as starting a business, taking a course, engaging in their vocation.
– We will provide training and ask for an agreement or Pledge, which is a fundamental reorientation in any area of life.
– We will provide grants from $100 to $500.
What is Visionary society?
Visionary society means undertaking a deeper way of life in each part of our life. It’s a place to challenge each other to be more than we are. It’s a way of satisfying our thirst to live in the society we envision.
Do you want to live your life halfway, superficialy, following the crowd? Or do you want to break through the static, to find the real?
Visionary society is meant to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To show that there is a place for goodness in the world, for the soul.
Evening gatherings for people in need
Category:
Let’s invite anyone in need, and anyone who has a strong sense of the soul, to an evening gathering to learn about Visionary society. The gathering should be in a pleasant location, with air conditioning, and simple food and beverages. Perhaps we can provide an inexpensive gift at the conclusion. Although it has a serious intent, we should try to create a fun and inspiring experience.
What will happen a the meeting?
It might begin with an gentle, basic introduction to Visionary society (the importance of awareness and sensitivity in each of the main areas of a person’s life). There could be reading of great, insightful works, many of them produced locally. There can be time for reflection (a kind of guided meditation), and a talking circle, in which everyone has the chance to share something of importance that they care about.
How will we advertise the meeting? We need to point out that we are looking for anyone in need who wants more than success and happiness – who is striving for beauty and goodness in the world. Before the end of the meeting, we should ask participants to think about their goal in life, their hopes and dreams. And we can introduce them to our grants for those entering Visionary society (see other program). Also, resources for help should be available.
What will happen a the meeting?
It might begin with an gentle, basic introduction to Visionary society (the importance of awareness and sensitivity in each of the main areas of a person’s life). There could be reading of great, insightful works, many of them produced locally. There can be time for reflection (a kind of guided meditation), and a talking circle, in which everyone has the chance to share something of importance that they care about.
How will we advertise the meeting? We need to point out that we are looking for anyone in need who wants more than success and happiness – who is striving for beauty and goodness in the world. Before the end of the meeting, we should ask participants to think about their goal in life, their hopes and dreams. And we can introduce them to our grants for those entering Visionary society (see other program). Also, resources for help should be available.
Grants for anyone who enters a process of awareness of self and society
Category:
Helping people in need is good, but what could make fundamental change? Sensitivity to life. We need to challenge each other to become more than we are, to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To cultivate the work of art that is their life. To find the help they need to create a better life and a better world.
We can offer grants of $100 - $1,000 for anyone in need who decides to enter a process of reflection about themselves and society.
– Agree to enter a process of introspection, reflection and action in any area of life: understanding, relationship, work, politics, creativity and beauty, politics and society.
– In each area we will provide training and ask for an agreement or Pledge, which is a fundamental reorientation in any area of life. For example, in Relationship, the Visionary Friendship Pledge. In Money, work for the Good.
– We will provide imple and more involved grants, from $100 to $1,000.
– The recipient presents a plan for how they will use the funds. It could be anything. For example, start a business, take a course, start a vocation.
– In addition to spending their money on a personal goal, they should also plan for how they can do something for the world.
We can offer grants of $100 - $1,000 for anyone in need who decides to enter a process of reflection about themselves and society.
– Agree to enter a process of introspection, reflection and action in any area of life: understanding, relationship, work, politics, creativity and beauty, politics and society.
– In each area we will provide training and ask for an agreement or Pledge, which is a fundamental reorientation in any area of life. For example, in Relationship, the Visionary Friendship Pledge. In Money, work for the Good.
– We will provide imple and more involved grants, from $100 to $1,000.
– The recipient presents a plan for how they will use the funds. It could be anything. For example, start a business, take a course, start a vocation.
– In addition to spending their money on a personal goal, they should also plan for how they can do something for the world.
Help travelers help the communities they visit
Category:
Every traveler should be asked for thoughtfulness, and to help at least a little.
There is a disconnect between travelers to Siem Reap, the local population, and the non-profits that serve them. We can rectify that, by bringing them together and offering them a way to take action.
Millions of people come to Siem Reap to see the spiritual art of Angkor Wat. That’s a long way to go and a lot of money to spend for the personal benefit they receive. I’m sure that many travelers would be willing to spend a small portion of their resources on helping the local population while they’re in town. There are also tons of non-profit organizations that already exist in Siem Reap. Many of them do great work educating and providing to Cambodians living in poverty. Why not bring together the travelers here with the non-profits?
The following are some ideas about how it could work:
– Maintain a list of non-profits of all types, organized by type, with practical ways to learn and help. A good website is essential.
– Contributing money alone is dull. It would be better to offer tangible opportunities, such as purchasing artwork, taking a trip, attending a brief meeting or film, etc.
– How can we get the word out? By making an effort to inform every traveler of this opportunity. How can we do that? Active publicity throughout tourist destinations.
– It would be good to have an actual meeting place, where visitors can get more information. This could be at a separate storefront, but we could also do so creatively and inexpensively by asking for permission to do this in existing shops, such as cafés or any offices.
– Finally, it would be great if someone were able to greet travelers enthusiastically and show them the great opportunities available to them.
There is a disconnect between travelers to Siem Reap, the local population, and the non-profits that serve them. We can rectify that, by bringing them together and offering them a way to take action.
Millions of people come to Siem Reap to see the spiritual art of Angkor Wat. That’s a long way to go and a lot of money to spend for the personal benefit they receive. I’m sure that many travelers would be willing to spend a small portion of their resources on helping the local population while they’re in town. There are also tons of non-profit organizations that already exist in Siem Reap. Many of them do great work educating and providing to Cambodians living in poverty. Why not bring together the travelers here with the non-profits?
The following are some ideas about how it could work:
– Maintain a list of non-profits of all types, organized by type, with practical ways to learn and help. A good website is essential.
– Contributing money alone is dull. It would be better to offer tangible opportunities, such as purchasing artwork, taking a trip, attending a brief meeting or film, etc.
– How can we get the word out? By making an effort to inform every traveler of this opportunity. How can we do that? Active publicity throughout tourist destinations.
– It would be good to have an actual meeting place, where visitors can get more information. This could be at a separate storefront, but we could also do so creatively and inexpensively by asking for permission to do this in existing shops, such as cafés or any offices.
– Finally, it would be great if someone were able to greet travelers enthusiastically and show them the great opportunities available to them.
Visionary Friendship Pledge
Category:
It is necessary to proclaim the existence of relationship – that is, mutuality, communion, genuine understanding.
Fight the idealization of romantic love. Do not idolize any particular person. Spending more than fifty percent of your time or energy on a personal relationship is a crime against humanity.
Relationship is not possible where there is greed.
Don’t disappear in circles of private happiness. Don’t take the small, easy way.
Ask for depth in every relationship, at least a little. Learn to see those who are invisible. For example, older people or those in poverty.
Focus on how you agree with others, not on how you differ.
Instead of fighting against those causing harm, try help them. Protect yourself and others. But look upon them with the eyes of a mother.
Do not mislead or take advantage of others for your own benefit.
Look for the higher nature in anyone, the grandeur of any living being. Ask for depth in every relationship, at least a little. Every interaction is an opportunity to grasp the mystery of separateness and brotherhood.
Do not pursue your own personal interests until the effects on others outer and inner state are taken into account.
See yourself as others.
Discuss the possibility of good, true, love and beauty.
Be faithful to all relationships. Faithfulness toward a spouse or partner is important. But it’s just one example of faith. Never give up on a relationship, on anyone. We should be faithful to everyone. A relationship should not come entirely to an end because of changed interests, accidents, betrayal, or forgetfulness. All personal bonds are indelible, permanent. Resolve all broken relationships.
Review those with whom you have a broken relationship, and how to take steps forward.
Help others achieve freedom. Because we need freedom for the utmost. Money, work, affection, support.
Support anyone who is sensitive to life, especially if what is important in their future is endangered. Serve not only external but the underlying needs.
Discover the transcendent in the particular. Of course, the particular person is necessary for a relationship. But every relationship is just an example of your one and only real relationship: the depth of your concern for another, what your true interests are, what you really care about.
Welcome anyone on this path.
Become capable of seeing yourself in others
“Relationship is not possible where there is greed, ambition and hope. Love comes only when the mind is quiet…If you have no love, you cannot resolve any social problem. You can go into politics, exhibit faith, try to reform the poor, write books or poems, but you are a dead human being.” J. Krishnamurti
Don’t take advantage of anyone
“I will not deceive, or cause to be deceived, any human being for my gain or pleasure; nor hurt, or cause to be hurt, any human being for my gain or pleasure; nor rob, or cause to be robbed, any human being for my gain or pleasure.” John Ruskin
Discuss the possibility of good, true, love and beauty
"The beauties of the body are as nothing to the beauties of the soul, so that wherever he meets with spiritual loveliness, even in the husk of an unlovely body, he will find it beautiful enough to fall in love with and to cherish – and beautiful enough to quicken in his heart a longing for such discourse as tends toward the building of a noble nature." Plato
Try to find out how you agree with others
“At every moment of our lives we should be trying to find out, not in what we differ from other people, but in what we agree with them; and the moment we find we can agree as to anything that should be done, kind or good, (and who but fools couldn’t?) then do it; push at it together.” John Ruskin
See yourself as others
“Practice until you see yourself in the cruelest person on Earth, in the child starving, in the political prisoner. Continue until you recognize yourself in everyone in the supermarket, on the street corner, in a concentration camp, on a leaf, in a dewdrop.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Never give up on anyone. (Faithfulness)
https://player.vimeo.com/video/513631725
Look for the higher nature in anyone, the grandeur of any living being. Be faithful to all relationships. Never give up on anyone.
Prepare yourself for tremendous relationships. Become capable of seeing the totality of a person. Learn to see all children as your own.
Prepare yourself for tremendous relationships. Become capable of seeing the totality of a person. Learn to see all children as your own.
Fight the idealization of romantic love. Do not idolize any particular person. Spending more than fifty percent of your time or energy on a personal relationship is a crime against humanity.
Relationship is not possible where there is greed.
Don’t disappear in circles of private happiness. Don’t take the small, easy way.
Ask for depth in every relationship, at least a little. Learn to see those who are invisible. For example, older people or those in poverty.
Focus on how you agree with others, not on how you differ.
Instead of fighting against those causing harm, try help them. Protect yourself and others. But look upon them with the eyes of a mother.
Do not mislead or take advantage of others for your own benefit.
Look for the higher nature in anyone, the grandeur of any living being. Ask for depth in every relationship, at least a little. Every interaction is an opportunity to grasp the mystery of separateness and brotherhood.
Do not pursue your own personal interests until the effects on others outer and inner state are taken into account.
See yourself as others.
Discuss the possibility of good, true, love and beauty.
Be faithful to all relationships. Faithfulness toward a spouse or partner is important. But it’s just one example of faith. Never give up on a relationship, on anyone. We should be faithful to everyone. A relationship should not come entirely to an end because of changed interests, accidents, betrayal, or forgetfulness. All personal bonds are indelible, permanent. Resolve all broken relationships.
Review those with whom you have a broken relationship, and how to take steps forward.
Help others achieve freedom. Because we need freedom for the utmost. Money, work, affection, support.
Support anyone who is sensitive to life, especially if what is important in their future is endangered. Serve not only external but the underlying needs.
Discover the transcendent in the particular. Of course, the particular person is necessary for a relationship. But every relationship is just an example of your one and only real relationship: the depth of your concern for another, what your true interests are, what you really care about.
Welcome anyone on this path.
Become capable of seeing yourself in others
“Relationship is not possible where there is greed, ambition and hope. Love comes only when the mind is quiet…If you have no love, you cannot resolve any social problem. You can go into politics, exhibit faith, try to reform the poor, write books or poems, but you are a dead human being.” J. Krishnamurti
Don’t take advantage of anyone
“I will not deceive, or cause to be deceived, any human being for my gain or pleasure; nor hurt, or cause to be hurt, any human being for my gain or pleasure; nor rob, or cause to be robbed, any human being for my gain or pleasure.” John Ruskin
Discuss the possibility of good, true, love and beauty
"The beauties of the body are as nothing to the beauties of the soul, so that wherever he meets with spiritual loveliness, even in the husk of an unlovely body, he will find it beautiful enough to fall in love with and to cherish – and beautiful enough to quicken in his heart a longing for such discourse as tends toward the building of a noble nature." Plato
Try to find out how you agree with others
“At every moment of our lives we should be trying to find out, not in what we differ from other people, but in what we agree with them; and the moment we find we can agree as to anything that should be done, kind or good, (and who but fools couldn’t?) then do it; push at it together.” John Ruskin
See yourself as others
“Practice until you see yourself in the cruelest person on Earth, in the child starving, in the political prisoner. Continue until you recognize yourself in everyone in the supermarket, on the street corner, in a concentration camp, on a leaf, in a dewdrop.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Never give up on anyone. (Faithfulness)
https://player.vimeo.com/video/513631725
Form a Peace Brigade
Category:
Hold a meeting on any particular conflict
Organize a Peace Brigade for a specific conflict.
Use the Visionary Society tools of Reflect, Explore, Pledge and Transform.
Start a Peace Brigade.
Celebration of the Good
An alternative to commercial entertainment. Evening gatherings to read aloud or perform selections on sublime understanding of peace. Bring anything you like. We already have a few great works lined up by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Brother David, and J. Krishnamurti. Beverages and snacks are included.
City-wide engagement and learning
Organize a public meeting on a larger scale. As a kind of expanded meeting, it can include speakers from local organizations. The main thing is that it supercedes politics and ideology, that it addresses the root issue, based in the psyche and the soul, and that it creates a climate of affection and reflection.
Present Real Peace to the person on the street. And introduce the Peace Brigade.
The event can be as simple as a couple of people going to a public square and handing out leaflets, and presenting a process of genuine reflection. It can also be more involved, including giving talks on local radio stations or engaging the local media.
How can we expect change if people are not shown that it is possible? That is our only real task. Show how it is possible to reimangine standard approaches to conflict. We will reach the exact amount of peace that we deserve.
Pledge for soldiers, police and security guards
Invite soldiers, police, security guards to transform force into understanding. Ask for personal responsibility.
Police: Protect, understand and help. Respond to the living human being in front of you.
Soldiers: Fight for the good. There is a goal more important the victory or national interest. Let’s try to reach a critical mass of soldiers on local military bases (maybe 25%).
Security guards: Redefine the role of security guards as helping, resolving, teaching, and sharing, rather than commanding and enforcing.
Give back the night
Women should not have to fight for freedom. It’s not the duty of the abused to stop abuse, or the enslaved to fight for freedom. It’s we men who are responsible, and it’s we who must do what it takes to make safety possible.
Meeting: What role do you play in violence against women?
Public action: Public events in which we introduce Give back the night, and ask others to join with us in self-transformation for the sake of victims.
Stipend available!
$50 - $300
Organize a Peace Brigade for a specific conflict.
Use the Visionary Society tools of Reflect, Explore, Pledge and Transform.
Start a Peace Brigade.
Celebration of the Good
An alternative to commercial entertainment. Evening gatherings to read aloud or perform selections on sublime understanding of peace. Bring anything you like. We already have a few great works lined up by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Brother David, and J. Krishnamurti. Beverages and snacks are included.
City-wide engagement and learning
Organize a public meeting on a larger scale. As a kind of expanded meeting, it can include speakers from local organizations. The main thing is that it supercedes politics and ideology, that it addresses the root issue, based in the psyche and the soul, and that it creates a climate of affection and reflection.
Present Real Peace to the person on the street. And introduce the Peace Brigade.
The event can be as simple as a couple of people going to a public square and handing out leaflets, and presenting a process of genuine reflection. It can also be more involved, including giving talks on local radio stations or engaging the local media.
How can we expect change if people are not shown that it is possible? That is our only real task. Show how it is possible to reimangine standard approaches to conflict. We will reach the exact amount of peace that we deserve.
Pledge for soldiers, police and security guards
Invite soldiers, police, security guards to transform force into understanding. Ask for personal responsibility.
Police: Protect, understand and help. Respond to the living human being in front of you.
Soldiers: Fight for the good. There is a goal more important the victory or national interest. Let’s try to reach a critical mass of soldiers on local military bases (maybe 25%).
Security guards: Redefine the role of security guards as helping, resolving, teaching, and sharing, rather than commanding and enforcing.
Give back the night
Women should not have to fight for freedom. It’s not the duty of the abused to stop abuse, or the enslaved to fight for freedom. It’s we men who are responsible, and it’s we who must do what it takes to make safety possible.
Meeting: What role do you play in violence against women?
Public action: Public events in which we introduce Give back the night, and ask others to join with us in self-transformation for the sake of victims.
Stipend available!
$50 - $300
What is a Guide?
Want to help create Visionary society in your community? Select a project that you care about.
A Guide is sensitive to the lives of others, an alternative to the myriad of professionals who are paid to compensate for dysfunction: security guards, police, therapists, psychiatrists, social service workers, life coaches, shamans. Guides are catalysts.
Most important, the Guide provides moral support and facilitates communication with anyone interested in the project.
Are you interested? This position is right for you if:
• You want to take an active role in bringing thoughtfulness and awareness to your community.
• You have decent written communication skills.
• You understand and support the work of Visionary Society, and have a special interest in this Project.
Be a Guide for any political issue
Category:
Is there a political issue you'd like to help transform? Hold a meeting or stage a Public action!
Hold a meeting on a political issue
– Publicize the meeting.
– Explore, helping participants entertain positions they oppose. Add Perspectives and Resources.
– Facilitate Reflect, in which participants to think about their own biases and experiences.
– Talking circle to think about the roots of the problem and a transformative resolution.
– Finally, prepare for a Public action.
Public action and Citywide engagement
Public action can take place in a public square or space, engaging the public in basic questions about how to approach political issues. Share how there is another way to resolve divisive, polarized issues. Show how it is possible to resolve political issues in a visionary way, with humility, respect, insight, and courage.
Meetings should create a climate of affection and reflection, and demonstrate that it is possible to resolve political issues in a visionary way, with humility, respect, insight, and courage.
Stipend available: $200 and up.
How to turn a political issue Into a quest.
Hold a meeting on a political issue
– Publicize the meeting.
– Explore, helping participants entertain positions they oppose. Add Perspectives and Resources.
– Facilitate Reflect, in which participants to think about their own biases and experiences.
– Talking circle to think about the roots of the problem and a transformative resolution.
– Finally, prepare for a Public action.
Public action and Citywide engagement
Public action can take place in a public square or space, engaging the public in basic questions about how to approach political issues. Share how there is another way to resolve divisive, polarized issues. Show how it is possible to resolve political issues in a visionary way, with humility, respect, insight, and courage.
Meetings should create a climate of affection and reflection, and demonstrate that it is possible to resolve political issues in a visionary way, with humility, respect, insight, and courage.
Stipend available: $200 and up.
How to turn a political issue Into a quest.
What is a Guide?
Want to help create Visionary society in your community? Select a project that you care about.
A Guide is sensitive to the lives of others, an alternative to the myriad of professionals who are paid to compensate for dysfunction: security guards, police, therapists, psychiatrists, social service workers, life coaches, shamans. Guides are catalysts.
Most important, the Guide provides moral support and facilitates communication with anyone interested in the project.
Are you interested? This position is right for you if:
• You want to take an active role in bringing thoughtfulness and awareness to your community.
• You have decent written communication skills.
• You understand and support the work of Visionary Society, and have a special interest in this Project.
Jean Marcel with some of the children
The home of Manigat Nickson
Manigat Nixon
The Creation of Adam, Michelangelo
Yayoi Kusama exhibition
Caption for image 1
Caption for image 2
Downtown Port-au-Prince Haiti
The Majestic Cafe in Porto, Portugal
Photo by Tim King
Almost all of the meat, milk and eggs consumed in the United States come from factory farms, which raise billions of chickens, pigs and cows every year in abusive conditions
Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska
Qupqugiaq Inn lobby. One of the purposes of the Inn is to help develop Visionary Society
News of the real, Created by ourselves
The goal of Visionary News is to identify and publicize misunderstood and poorly represented issues, to find the root of the social problem and potential transformative responses - to find news of the real: whatever is deepest and truest in ourselves and in society. Visionary News is part of the non-profit Visionary Society...
Visionary News is citizen journalism with a mission. Anyone who wishes may contribute to any function of the paper, including writing articles, contributing other content, publicity, or being one of our rotating editors.
Break through socially constructed reality
Sensitivity to life
Seeing deeply, within, reaching the heart
Overcoming political reflexes and solutions
Transforming perennial…
The goal of Visionary News is to identify and publicize misundersood and poorly represented issues, to find the root of the social problem and potential transformative responses - to find news of the real: whatever is deepest and truest in ourselves and in society. Visionary News is part of the non-profit Visionary Society...
Fair use: This publication contains some copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner, and which...
Focus on the most pressing issues
What is pressing?
– Affect well-being
– Affect us most directly.
Address the full range of our needs
Conventional news addresses our superficial aspects: biological and psychological functions, self-preservation, economic wealth, and the satisfaction of desire.
They focus on security (accumulating economic wealth), self-interest (policies on social issues), self-preservation (war), glory and pleasure (sports and entertainment).
Include our human or spiritual needs, including… Adventurousness, solidarity, equality, idealism (See more from Erich Fromm)
Question assumptions
Don't assume that our present choices are a discrete and permanent fact.
Don't assume that needs are satisfied by commodities.
Don't assume the permanent existence of factions.
Try to be free of social and political influences
Do not be political, ideological, or biased
Without ideology or dogma, political partisanship, religious bias, or self-righteousness.
Do not propitiate the power holders.
Do not appeal to (or blame) leaders or authorities
Ask the most challenging questions
Look for perplexing contradictions. Look for unexamined assaults on everyday life.
Ask the impossible question, penetrate the illusion.
What we are not
Political: Liberal, Progressive, or Conservative (but interested in the effect of politics on human beings).
Entertainment oriented (but interested in the exploration or celebration of life).
Religious, ‘new age’ or spiritualistic (but capable of seeing what is sacred or ultimate).
Body or Health oriented.
Vulgar.
Contentious (but capable of positive, direct challenge).
Visionary News is the public creating the real news of the city. It is a collaborative project of anyone who wants to look under the surface of public events.
The goal of Visionary News is to reclaim the self-evident, to make the obvious impossible to deny. We want to find and publicize what is most real in everyday situations: the extent to which good, beauty, truth, the sacred and love are suppressed or expressed. We want to shake our complacency, challenge the status quo from a positive perspective, and draw us together in active co-creation of institutions that express our real identity. We can do this without ideology or dogma, political partisanship, religious bias, or self-righteousness.
All news is slanted by assumptions about what is real. Our assumptions are too small. Wherever our glance falls – whatever breaks out into public experience – let us review the full range of our humanity. This includes not just social, biological and psychological factors, but moral and spiritual ones. It includes happiness, community, inner life, and spirituality. It includes the gentle virtues such as humility, integrity, generosity, and sensitivity to the real.
Visionary News is part of Visionary Society. With coordinated classes, actions, and invitations, each theme and issue could truly have a widespread effect.
It exposes the regime of the small.
It connects what is underneath to the everyday and action.
– Presents the news of the city as a whole – a place to find the news about what is under the surface.
– Get the public involved in understanding, creating and using this kind of news.
– Sustainability by keeping costs low and finding support from those who want to be engaged with Visionary society.
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Turn a political issue into a Quest
Category:
We can change the dynamics of political conflict by creating a climate of respectful and even affectionate listening. Every time a political issue is presented to us, we must look for a deeper way, one not based on superiority, enforcement and coercion. That is, enmity and a skewed representation of human nature. Take it as an opportunity to transform the field on which the opposing parties meet, so that they no longer meet in opposition.
The conflict is not possible to resolve, given the assumptions on each side. So we must change our assumptions. It doesn’t matter which side is right. It doesn’t even matter if we find a solution. Instead, our goal must be to look courageously, with humility and goodwill. That is already transformative action.
Begin by listening with compassion to those with whom you disagree. What is good or true about the side that you oppose? What are their grievances? How are they suffering?
Turn a political dilemma into a Quest
1. Have respect for the opposing side. Listen compassionately to those with whom you disagree (especially if they are present in person). Believe that mutual understanding is possible.
2. Describe the existing political approach. Point out the ways humiliation, anger, bitterness, callousness are involved.
3. What do you want others to know about what you care about? What do you want those who don’t understand or disagree to think about carefully and compassionately?
4. What is good in your opponent? What is good in their goals? What is most important to them, their real goal?
5. Find a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, that works at the heart level.
6. Ask for reflection, goodwill, and collaborative action. Above all, do not condemn others and do not humiliate them.
Citywide engagement
Stage small and large meetings to bring respectful discussion to divisive, polarized issues. Show how it is possible to resolve political issues in a visionary way, with humility, respect, insight, and courage.
Each meeting should have a place for Visionary society tools such as Reflect (see your own position inside of this mess) and Explore (entertain helpfully positions you oppose). Create a space for an unexpected solution. Most of all, meetings should create a climate of affection and reflection.
The conflict is not possible to resolve, given the assumptions on each side. So we must change our assumptions. It doesn’t matter which side is right. It doesn’t even matter if we find a solution. Instead, our goal must be to look courageously, with humility and goodwill. That is already transformative action.
Begin by listening with compassion to those with whom you disagree. What is good or true about the side that you oppose? What are their grievances? How are they suffering?
Turn a political dilemma into a Quest
1. Have respect for the opposing side. Listen compassionately to those with whom you disagree (especially if they are present in person). Believe that mutual understanding is possible.
2. Describe the existing political approach. Point out the ways humiliation, anger, bitterness, callousness are involved.
3. What do you want others to know about what you care about? What do you want those who don’t understand or disagree to think about carefully and compassionately?
4. What is good in your opponent? What is good in their goals? What is most important to them, their real goal?
5. Find a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, that works at the heart level.
6. Ask for reflection, goodwill, and collaborative action. Above all, do not condemn others and do not humiliate them.
Citywide engagement
Stage small and large meetings to bring respectful discussion to divisive, polarized issues. Show how it is possible to resolve political issues in a visionary way, with humility, respect, insight, and courage.
Each meeting should have a place for Visionary society tools such as Reflect (see your own position inside of this mess) and Explore (entertain helpfully positions you oppose). Create a space for an unexpected solution. Most of all, meetings should create a climate of affection and reflection.
Editorial on Haiti (PLACEHOLDER)
Category:
Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content. Temporary content.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Haiti Is in the Streets
Category:
The social media call to protest (“Operation Airport Lockdown”) included a suggestion that marchers bring “ti chez” or “little chairs” along with them so that once they have taken over the runways, of which there are not many, they can hold a comfortable sit-in for the day. The digital image for the march shows an airplane in flight over a runway, with the motto: “The Only Plane That Will Land is the One That Will Take Away Jovenel,” a reference to Jovenel Moïse, the country’s president, who has become the focus for popular anger and dissatisfaction.
As you watch what’s happening in Haiti today, and read the front-page coverage, it’s important to remember that the massive unrest in the streets is not powered by emotion only. The people you see out there are not thoughtless and they’re not simply angry. There is a logic to what’s happening; there’s a history and so many reasons why. There’s a plan, a hope. There are ideas. There is need and desperation, definitely. But implicit in what’s happening is a rejection of a long-standing system—and a dream of what another Haiti could look like.
I don’t say this as a romantic. I’m not saying that there aren’t subtle forces at work behind the scenes. Of course money is changing hands somewhere, to influence the moment and its outcome. There is always money coursing through protests, especially in poor countries. But recall that Haiti has always been a leader in seismic shifts in how the world functions. Remember the revolution of 1791–1804 that ensured that slave capitalism would eventually be doomed all over the planet? I’m reminded now of that revolution, which took a long time to accomplish. Remember that Haiti was the first nation to cast off an American military occupation, in 1934. Besides frustration about infinite corruption and zero leadership in Haiti, there is a lot of thinking now about how the country might survive outside globalized markets, and how it could return to an agricultural system of updated, modernized, self-sufficient small farming. Changes like these take a long time to accomplish, and require the support of huge majorities willing to work for these goals or other grand changes. It’s a demanding job, to tire out an enemy who has every advantage. But it can be done—and has been done before in Haiti.
The situation that has been unfolding over the past year is the long, drawn-out, tortuous result of a concerted attack on popular democracy, and of the Haitian elite’s reluctance to allow any political or economic space for the masses entrenched in generations of poverty. The international community has followed along with the English- and French-speaking Haitian business and political elite—whose word on Haiti is taken as gospel by foreign officials who don’t speak Creole—and has also often taken the lead. This elite-sector-first strategy worked as long as people could still live in the Haitian countryside. But as Haiti joined the global economy and its agricultural system failed to compete abroad and was undersold at home, urban migration with all its concomitant ills began to impinge on the ease of the Port-au-Prince elite.
Now, with real unemployment running at historic highs and a corrupt government in complete shambles, the predatory system, having stolen everything it can steal, is showing its radical illogic. Unless you run a slave nation, you can’t endlessly run a state off the backs of a people from whom you’ve taken everything, a people who have nothing. Try to see Haiti as the United States today, as run by Trump, but concentrated into a thimble. Income inequality is far more visible and insane than it is here in the United States, because the country lacks a cushioning working or middle class. The Haitian middle class now lives where middle classes like to live: here, in Canada, in France, and in other remaining bits of the late Francophone empire—places where there are still at least remnants of economies that function for most of the population and where a Haitian refugee can get a job.
Without its working middle class (some still remain, but very few), Haiti has become a land of millions of the virtually homeless living in shantytowns built with their own hands, and a few millionaire and even billionaire elite families who live behind barriers and barbed wire toward the top of the mountain that overhangs the capital, keeping a stranglehold on political power and on all the country’s wealth—a wealth that comes largely from a demoralized, mistreated, and grotesquely underpaid shantytown population, as well as from some lingering tourism, some lingering agriculture, international mineral extraction, drug-trafficking, and corruption. For the Haitian people, there is almost no public education, no public sanitation, no fire safety. There is also no social security, no subsidized health care. Plus right now there’s often no gas, no electricity, no water and no food.
As you watch what’s happening in Haiti today, and read the front-page coverage, it’s important to remember that the massive unrest in the streets is not powered by emotion only. The people you see out there are not thoughtless and they’re not simply angry. There is a logic to what’s happening; there’s a history and so many reasons why. There’s a plan, a hope. There are ideas. There is need and desperation, definitely. But implicit in what’s happening is a rejection of a long-standing system—and a dream of what another Haiti could look like.
I don’t say this as a romantic. I’m not saying that there aren’t subtle forces at work behind the scenes. Of course money is changing hands somewhere, to influence the moment and its outcome. There is always money coursing through protests, especially in poor countries. But recall that Haiti has always been a leader in seismic shifts in how the world functions. Remember the revolution of 1791–1804 that ensured that slave capitalism would eventually be doomed all over the planet? I’m reminded now of that revolution, which took a long time to accomplish. Remember that Haiti was the first nation to cast off an American military occupation, in 1934. Besides frustration about infinite corruption and zero leadership in Haiti, there is a lot of thinking now about how the country might survive outside globalized markets, and how it could return to an agricultural system of updated, modernized, self-sufficient small farming. Changes like these take a long time to accomplish, and require the support of huge majorities willing to work for these goals or other grand changes. It’s a demanding job, to tire out an enemy who has every advantage. But it can be done—and has been done before in Haiti.
The situation that has been unfolding over the past year is the long, drawn-out, tortuous result of a concerted attack on popular democracy, and of the Haitian elite’s reluctance to allow any political or economic space for the masses entrenched in generations of poverty. The international community has followed along with the English- and French-speaking Haitian business and political elite—whose word on Haiti is taken as gospel by foreign officials who don’t speak Creole—and has also often taken the lead. This elite-sector-first strategy worked as long as people could still live in the Haitian countryside. But as Haiti joined the global economy and its agricultural system failed to compete abroad and was undersold at home, urban migration with all its concomitant ills began to impinge on the ease of the Port-au-Prince elite.
Now, with real unemployment running at historic highs and a corrupt government in complete shambles, the predatory system, having stolen everything it can steal, is showing its radical illogic. Unless you run a slave nation, you can’t endlessly run a state off the backs of a people from whom you’ve taken everything, a people who have nothing. Try to see Haiti as the United States today, as run by Trump, but concentrated into a thimble. Income inequality is far more visible and insane than it is here in the United States, because the country lacks a cushioning working or middle class. The Haitian middle class now lives where middle classes like to live: here, in Canada, in France, and in other remaining bits of the late Francophone empire—places where there are still at least remnants of economies that function for most of the population and where a Haitian refugee can get a job.
Without its working middle class (some still remain, but very few), Haiti has become a land of millions of the virtually homeless living in shantytowns built with their own hands, and a few millionaire and even billionaire elite families who live behind barriers and barbed wire toward the top of the mountain that overhangs the capital, keeping a stranglehold on political power and on all the country’s wealth—a wealth that comes largely from a demoralized, mistreated, and grotesquely underpaid shantytown population, as well as from some lingering tourism, some lingering agriculture, international mineral extraction, drug-trafficking, and corruption. For the Haitian people, there is almost no public education, no public sanitation, no fire safety. There is also no social security, no subsidized health care. Plus right now there’s often no gas, no electricity, no water and no food.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
There are many ideas for building peace in the world
Category:
Retrain the military for constructive work
“Retraining of the armies of nations around the world to become experts in ecologically sensitive construction of those aspects of their own societies that need relief and reconstruction, including agriculture, health care, housing, infrastructure, education and computers, and other appropriate technology.” Network of Spiritual Progressives, Global Marshall Plan
Vigils
"The Sonoma Country Chapter of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship has decided to meet in public more often, making their usual opening meditation a vigil for peace, silence, and turning inward, in the heart of the city. Weather permitting, they will meet as an island of peace in the central courthouse square in Santa Rosa, surrounded by traffic." Fellowship, July 1998
Appoint a guardian of moral discipline
Appoint a guardian of moral discipline, "whose task would be to monitor and survey the army's adherence to international rules of war." Abraham Heschel, Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity, 221
Peace brigade
Form a Peace Brigade whose members would risk their lives in dealing with riots, especially communal. This Brigade should substitute the police and even the military.
(1) He or she must have a living faith in nonviolence. This is impossible without a living faith in God. A nonviolent man can do nothing to save by the power and grace of God. Without it he won't have the courage to die without anger, without fear and without retaliation.
(2) This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth. Thus, if he is a Hindu, he will respect the other faiths current in India.
Mohandas Gandhi
Beat your swords into plowshares
‘And they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war any more.’ Isaiah 2:2-4
Non-Violent Communication
NVC is a process that strengthens our ability to inspire compassion from others and respond compassionately to others and ourselves. NVC guides us to reframe how we express ourselves and how we hear others by focusing our consciousness on what we are observing, feeling, needing, and requesting.
“Retraining of the armies of nations around the world to become experts in ecologically sensitive construction of those aspects of their own societies that need relief and reconstruction, including agriculture, health care, housing, infrastructure, education and computers, and other appropriate technology.” Network of Spiritual Progressives, Global Marshall Plan
Vigils
"The Sonoma Country Chapter of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship has decided to meet in public more often, making their usual opening meditation a vigil for peace, silence, and turning inward, in the heart of the city. Weather permitting, they will meet as an island of peace in the central courthouse square in Santa Rosa, surrounded by traffic." Fellowship, July 1998
Appoint a guardian of moral discipline
Appoint a guardian of moral discipline, "whose task would be to monitor and survey the army's adherence to international rules of war." Abraham Heschel, Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity, 221
Peace brigade
Form a Peace Brigade whose members would risk their lives in dealing with riots, especially communal. This Brigade should substitute the police and even the military.
(1) He or she must have a living faith in nonviolence. This is impossible without a living faith in God. A nonviolent man can do nothing to save by the power and grace of God. Without it he won't have the courage to die without anger, without fear and without retaliation.
(2) This messenger of peace must have equal regard for all the principal religions of the earth. Thus, if he is a Hindu, he will respect the other faiths current in India.
Mohandas Gandhi
Beat your swords into plowshares
‘And they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war any more.’ Isaiah 2:2-4
Non-Violent Communication
NVC is a process that strengthens our ability to inspire compassion from others and respond compassionately to others and ourselves. NVC guides us to reframe how we express ourselves and how we hear others by focusing our consciousness on what we are observing, feeling, needing, and requesting.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Profound Peace
Category:
Public Action
Let’s begin with a public event in which we present Profound Peace to anyone interested, showing how we can reimagine conventional approaches to conflict. Instead of taking sides, it is possible to reach the heart of opposing parties, establishing meaningful, collaborative and peaceful relationships.
Profound Peace includes:
– Form a Peace Brigade for any conflict, in which participants take a pledge for deep understanding of opposing sides with the goal of establishing genuine communication.
– Pledges for soldiers, police, judges, lawyers and security guards, to establish a vision for basic humanity and helpfulness in their profession.
Let’s begin with a public event in which we present Profound Peace to anyone interested, showing how we can reimagine conventional approaches to conflict. Instead of taking sides, it is possible to reach the heart of opposing parties, establishing meaningful, collaborative and peaceful relationships.
Profound Peace includes:
– Form a Peace Brigade for any conflict, in which participants take a pledge for deep understanding of opposing sides with the goal of establishing genuine communication.
– Pledges for soldiers, police, judges, lawyers and security guards, to establish a vision for basic humanity and helpfulness in their profession.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Our whole society is based on conflict
Category:
Tepid peace is the result of force, balancing and restraining opposing interests. Changing the presuppositions is ninety-nine percent of the work. When we are finally ready for profound peace there won’t be any need for war, nor any chance of it.
We live in civil society, a society of law and order. This produces a false, lukewarm peace. It is the balancing and restraining of opposing interests. What is thunderous, not lukewarm, peace? To find it we must raise ourselves to the highest possible pitch of our nature.
Let us become capable of peace, by changing the conflict situation at the root. Let us disassemble the reptilian reflexes, the pleasure in revenge, the glorification of success.
Peace means living in a way that the other person is as important as you. Peace means holding conflicting ideas in your mind at the same time. Give up the ‘peace process’. Stop the stopgap measures. Begin on the inside. Include the whole. Tackle conflict itself.
Deep peace depends on activating our latent capacity for peace-making. While we still have time, let us become capable of peace and make peace in ourselves. Let us disassemble the reptilian reflexes, the glorification of success, the pleasure in revenge, the glorification of status. Let the healing medicine work its way in. Let the beauty descend.
We live in civil society, a society of law and order. This produces a false, lukewarm peace. It is the balancing and restraining of opposing interests. What is thunderous, not lukewarm, peace? To find it we must raise ourselves to the highest possible pitch of our nature.
Let us become capable of peace, by changing the conflict situation at the root. Let us disassemble the reptilian reflexes, the pleasure in revenge, the glorification of success.
Peace means living in a way that the other person is as important as you. Peace means holding conflicting ideas in your mind at the same time. Give up the ‘peace process’. Stop the stopgap measures. Begin on the inside. Include the whole. Tackle conflict itself.
Deep peace depends on activating our latent capacity for peace-making. While we still have time, let us become capable of peace and make peace in ourselves. Let us disassemble the reptilian reflexes, the glorification of success, the pleasure in revenge, the glorification of status. Let the healing medicine work its way in. Let the beauty descend.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Should Pebble Mine be built?
Category:
Current situation
Pebble Mine is a proposal to mine the largest known undeveloped copper ore body in the world, in Bristol Bay, Southwest Alaska. The land is owned by the State of Alaska. Pebble Mines Corp. holds mineral rights for 186 square miles of the area.
Political position 1
Pebble Mine threatens one of the world’s last great salmon fisheries. It is a threat to Bristol Bay. A large open-pit mine right at the headwaters poses a significant risk. “It is a hugely important fishery, and having a large open-pit mine right at the headwaters poses a significant risk, and it is one that the people in the region are unwilling to accept.”
Political position 2
Pebble Mine will bring jobs and infrastructure to Southwest Alaska, provide tax revenue to the state of Alaska, and reduce American dependence on foreign sources of raw materials. It will help families remain in their villages and thrive. And it it possible to do this in harmony with the environment.
Pebble Mine is a proposal to mine the largest known undeveloped copper ore body in the world, in Bristol Bay, Southwest Alaska. The land is owned by the State of Alaska. Pebble Mines Corp. holds mineral rights for 186 square miles of the area.
Political position 1
Pebble Mine threatens one of the world’s last great salmon fisheries. It is a threat to Bristol Bay. A large open-pit mine right at the headwaters poses a significant risk. “It is a hugely important fishery, and having a large open-pit mine right at the headwaters poses a significant risk, and it is one that the people in the region are unwilling to accept.”
Political position 2
Pebble Mine will bring jobs and infrastructure to Southwest Alaska, provide tax revenue to the state of Alaska, and reduce American dependence on foreign sources of raw materials. It will help families remain in their villages and thrive. And it it possible to do this in harmony with the environment.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Quest path for conflict
Category:
Current situation
Our whole society is based on conflict. That includes the military, police and criminal justice system, which obviously are based on the use of force. But every social institution is competitive and adversarial (and corrupt). There is conflict at every layer of life.
Vision
Look at evil with the eyes of a mother.
Put an end to war in yourself.
Fight for the good.
Use force for protection, assistance, and building, rather than aggression.
Topics
Explore the meaning of conflict and peace in Topics. Enter the topic spiral for any conflict you (or your nation) are involved in.
The meaning of war
Specific global and local conflicts
What is Profound peace?
The military, prisons, police, etc.
Reflect
Reflect is understanding at the heart level. Guided, active meditation in a group setting with the goal of entering a mystery. More at our local meetings.
How do you create the world around you through your own character?
Respond to an impossible conflict
1. Think of any conflict (global, political or personal)
2. What is the ROOT of the problem?
3. What is something REAL you’ve seen?
4. Say something GOOD about those you disagree with.
Action
Visionary Society Action is an alternative to standard activism. See articles in this edition for details.
Profound peace
Profound Peace is a direct, personal, collaborative response to personal and global conflicts, with the goal of resolving conflict at the root level, through introspection and direct, personal, collaborative action.
Give back the night
It’s not the duty of the abused to stop abuse, or the enslaved to fight for freedom. It’s we men who are responsible, and it’s we who must give – by mastering our own identity – in order to prevent women from having to protect themselves.
Kindred communities
Kindred communities is true friendship with your distant counterparts. Can communities reach out to each other, even though they are separated by barriers of nationality, language, culture and history? If so, they will have to become sisters.
If true friendship is possible between people it is also possible between communities.
Pledge
Pledge for professionals involved in any kind of dysfunction. Invite soldiers, police, security guards to change force into understanding.
Police: Protect, understand and help. Respond to the living human being in front of you.
Soldiers: Fight for the good. There is a goal more important the victory or national interest.
Security guards: Redefine the role of security guards as helping, resolving, teaching, and sharing, rather than commanding and enforcing.
Our whole society is based on conflict. That includes the military, police and criminal justice system, which obviously are based on the use of force. But every social institution is competitive and adversarial (and corrupt). There is conflict at every layer of life.
Vision
Look at evil with the eyes of a mother.
Put an end to war in yourself.
Fight for the good.
Use force for protection, assistance, and building, rather than aggression.
Topics
Explore the meaning of conflict and peace in Topics. Enter the topic spiral for any conflict you (or your nation) are involved in.
The meaning of war
Specific global and local conflicts
What is Profound peace?
The military, prisons, police, etc.
Reflect
Reflect is understanding at the heart level. Guided, active meditation in a group setting with the goal of entering a mystery. More at our local meetings.
How do you create the world around you through your own character?
Respond to an impossible conflict
1. Think of any conflict (global, political or personal)
2. What is the ROOT of the problem?
3. What is something REAL you’ve seen?
4. Say something GOOD about those you disagree with.
What is Quest Path?
Quest path is the totality of a response to a mystery. What you do with your talents and passion, money and time? Do not underestimate yourself. Everyone must find out for themselves, but we can work help each other along. Quest is the exploration of who we are and who we must become. Quest is aliveness. It is community. It is revolutionary.
Quest path is the totality of a response to a mystery. What you do with your talents and passion, money and time? Do not underestimate yourself. Everyone must find out for themselves, but we can work help each other along. Quest is the exploration of who we are and who we must become. Quest is aliveness. It is community. It is revolutionary.
Action
Visionary Society Action is an alternative to standard activism. See articles in this edition for details.
Profound peace
Profound Peace is a direct, personal, collaborative response to personal and global conflicts, with the goal of resolving conflict at the root level, through introspection and direct, personal, collaborative action.
Give back the night
It’s not the duty of the abused to stop abuse, or the enslaved to fight for freedom. It’s we men who are responsible, and it’s we who must give – by mastering our own identity – in order to prevent women from having to protect themselves.
Kindred communities
Kindred communities is true friendship with your distant counterparts. Can communities reach out to each other, even though they are separated by barriers of nationality, language, culture and history? If so, they will have to become sisters.
If true friendship is possible between people it is also possible between communities.
Pledge
Pledge for professionals involved in any kind of dysfunction. Invite soldiers, police, security guards to change force into understanding.
Police: Protect, understand and help. Respond to the living human being in front of you.
Soldiers: Fight for the good. There is a goal more important the victory or national interest.
Security guards: Redefine the role of security guards as helping, resolving, teaching, and sharing, rather than commanding and enforcing.
What can you do?
→ How can you make the world better? Join a Proposal or add your own.
→ Read the articles in this edition. Each has ideas for further action.
→ Sibling Cities. Find your long lost brother or sister in a faraway land.
→ Explore the Topic to find the root of the problems discussed in this edition.
→ Sign up for our newsletter and receive notifications about actions and events in your community.
→ Help out with Visionary News. Pick up a few copies to post at a cafe or restaurant. Write a simple article on news of the real.
→ RSVP to show your interest in attending a meeting with like-minded people in your community.
→ Add your own articles or even create your own edition.
→ How can you make the world better? Join a Proposal or add your own.
→ Read the articles in this edition. Each has ideas for further action.
→ Sibling Cities. Find your long lost brother or sister in a faraway land.
→ Explore the Topic to find the root of the problems discussed in this edition.
→ Sign up for our newsletter and receive notifications about actions and events in your community.
→ Help out with Visionary News. Pick up a few copies to post at a cafe or restaurant. Write a simple article on news of the real.
→ RSVP to show your interest in attending a meeting with like-minded people in your community.
→ Add your own articles or even create your own edition.
Orphanage is in danger of closing
Category:
Here is the how the Tysea Orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti began. Because of the coronavirus everything has become expensive and we don’t have food for them. The orphanage is going to have to stop operations unless we can find additional help.
We found a small house in Carrefour, a district in the West side of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where we started with one child.
To begin she provide all the help, with no sponsors at all. She tried to raise money for food, clothes, school, etc, and finally was able to find others able to help. They hired me as the manager and founder. I contacted people I know in the U.S., Canada and Belgium, asking to contribute small amounts of money, $20 - $50. I use this to buy food, clothes and other necessities.
The orphanage has 34 children. 18 of them stay permanently and the others come to eat and then return to their relatives, because there isn't enough space to lodge them. We have a nurse, a psychologist, someone to cook, someone to wash. There are 8 people working as volunteers. None of them receive a salary. There are 3 people who are working full-time, and for them we are sometimes able to provide meals. In Haiti there is misery, poverty. When they get food they eat. They receive a minimal amount in donations.
The children are very poor. They eat little. We cannot let these children go back on the street.
We found a small house in Carrefour, a district in the West side of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where we started with one child.
To begin she provide all the help, with no sponsors at all. She tried to raise money for food, clothes, school, etc, and finally was able to find others able to help. They hired me as the manager and founder. I contacted people I know in the U.S., Canada and Belgium, asking to contribute small amounts of money, $20 - $50. I use this to buy food, clothes and other necessities.
The orphanage has 34 children. 18 of them stay permanently and the others come to eat and then return to their relatives, because there isn't enough space to lodge them. We have a nurse, a psychologist, someone to cook, someone to wash. There are 8 people working as volunteers. None of them receive a salary. There are 3 people who are working full-time, and for them we are sometimes able to provide meals. In Haiti there is misery, poverty. When they get food they eat. They receive a minimal amount in donations.
The children are very poor. They eat little. We cannot let these children go back on the street.
Jean Marcel with some of the children
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
My home has been destroyed by a tree
Category:
I, Manigat Nixon, work at a school, cleaning before the children come and after class.I built a house on this land and have lived in it for two years. I rent the land. In five years I will be allowed to buy it. It was comfortable before a piece of wood fell and crushed a part of it. Life was already hard before the pandemic.
I am a young man. I can work to respond to my needs and my family's needs, but there's no job in my country at this time. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I am a responsible person and I want a better life for me and my family.
I was born on December 3, 1985. I am thirty five years old. I am married. My wife"s name is Marie Zita Derosiers. We have one child who is twelve months, and my wife is six months pregnant.
I am a young man. I can work to respond to my needs and my family's needs, but there's no job in my country at this time. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I am a responsible person and I want a better life for me and my family.
I was born on December 3, 1985. I am thirty five years old. I am married. My wife"s name is Marie Zita Derosiers. We have one child who is twelve months, and my wife is six months pregnant.
The home of Manigat Nickson
Manigat Nixon
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
What is a kindred city?
Category:
Our brethren are scattered across the world. We know little about each other, yet we are connected to them in unknown ways and can’t be truly happy as long as we are separated from them.
How do sisters and brothers treat each other? Do they meet on special occasions only, such as holidays, weddings, or funerals? Do they make small talk and repeat old behavior patterns? Or do they care about what’s really going on with their brother or sister? Do they want to learn about real feelings and aspirations? Do they want to know when problems arise, and do they want to know when their sibling is suffering or in need?
Of course there are all kinds of sisters. But there’s something about sisterhood that can’t be debased. True sisters are equals. They are not parents, whose duty is to protect and nourish their child. They are not children, seeking support and guidance. Sisterhood is a radically equal lifelong partnership.
The Sister City movement has been around for decades, sponsoring cultural, educational and economic exchanges. It’s a good idea, but perhaps we can do more. We can reunite with our long-lost counterparts. An ancient unity can be redeemed.
How do sisters and brothers treat each other? Do they meet on special occasions only, such as holidays, weddings, or funerals? Do they make small talk and repeat old behavior patterns? Or do they care about what’s really going on with their brother or sister? Do they want to learn about real feelings and aspirations? Do they want to know when problems arise, and do they want to know when their sibling is suffering or in need?
Of course there are all kinds of sisters. But there’s something about sisterhood that can’t be debased. True sisters are equals. They are not parents, whose duty is to protect and nourish their child. They are not children, seeking support and guidance. Sisterhood is a radically equal lifelong partnership.
The Sister City movement has been around for decades, sponsoring cultural, educational and economic exchanges. It’s a good idea, but perhaps we can do more. We can reunite with our long-lost counterparts. An ancient unity can be redeemed.
How can you get started?
→ Explore the Topic to learn about the current situation and the root causes.
→ Look at the Newsletter for updates, including brief articles and video clips from Guides who live in the community.
→ Browse Proposals and select one that you’d like to help with, becoming a Participant. Take at least one small action annually (donate a small amount of money, write a letter, contact an organization, etc.
→ You are Kindred!
→ Explore the Topic to learn about the current situation and the root causes.
→ Look at the Newsletter for updates, including brief articles and video clips from Guides who live in the community.
→ Browse Proposals and select one that you’d like to help with, becoming a Participant. Take at least one small action annually (donate a small amount of money, write a letter, contact an organization, etc.
→ You are Kindred!
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
What is war? What is peace?
Category:
Visionary Society presents the 'Process of Understanding and Action,' a holistic approach that brings together thought and action at one and the same time.
How it works
A Topic is composed of points of view, each presented in a paragraph or two. Hold each perspective up before you in your own mind. Look for the good in it, even if you disagree. Then vote on your response.
Everything has a heart of gold, even if it is warped and deformed. Topics is a process of uncovering the truth of perspectives we misunderstand.
Topics are part of the totality of the Quest Path (culminating in an action plan).
It is a first step in your Learning Pathway, an alternative to the staid, ancient ‘educational system’.
Topics offered for this edition’s look at Conflict:
What is real peace?
The nature of war
The Present
"The sword is the pride of man; arsenals, military bases, nuclear weapons lend supremacy to nations. War is the climax of ingenuity, the object of supreme dedication....The most basic way in which all men may be divided is between those who believe that war is unnecessary and those who believe that war is inevitable; between those to whom the sword is the symbol of honor and those to whom seeking to convert swords into plowshares is the only way to keep our civilization from disaster."
Abraham Heschel
Vision
"You may not offend anybody; you may not harbor an uncharitable thought, even in connection with one who may consider himself to be your enemy… A man who believes in the efficacy of this doctrine finds in the ultimate stage, when he is about to reach the goal, the whole world at his feet. If you express your love - Ahimsa - in such a manner that it impresses itself indelibly upon your so-called enemy, he must return that love."
Mohandas Gandhi
More on Topics
How it works
A Topic is composed of points of view, each presented in a paragraph or two. Hold each perspective up before you in your own mind. Look for the good in it, even if you disagree. Then vote on your response.
Everything has a heart of gold, even if it is warped and deformed. Topics is a process of uncovering the truth of perspectives we misunderstand.
Topics are part of the totality of the Quest Path (culminating in an action plan).
It is a first step in your Learning Pathway, an alternative to the staid, ancient ‘educational system’.
Topics offered for this edition’s look at Conflict:
What is real peace?
The nature of war
The Present
"The sword is the pride of man; arsenals, military bases, nuclear weapons lend supremacy to nations. War is the climax of ingenuity, the object of supreme dedication....The most basic way in which all men may be divided is between those who believe that war is unnecessary and those who believe that war is inevitable; between those to whom the sword is the symbol of honor and those to whom seeking to convert swords into plowshares is the only way to keep our civilization from disaster."
Abraham Heschel
Vision
"You may not offend anybody; you may not harbor an uncharitable thought, even in connection with one who may consider himself to be your enemy… A man who believes in the efficacy of this doctrine finds in the ultimate stage, when he is about to reach the goal, the whole world at his feet. If you express your love - Ahimsa - in such a manner that it impresses itself indelibly upon your so-called enemy, he must return that love."
Mohandas Gandhi
More on Topics
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Dance in Haitian culture
Category:
Three Haitian dances intrigue me the most.
A unique Haitian feature is what we call the konbit. The konbit is a group of people coming together to carry out a project in their community. It embodies the solidarity between Haitians and the desire to do everything in their power to help their community. This kind of dance reminds us that, although we are sometimes divided, at the end of the day the dance always ends up bringing us together.
Second we have the Ibolélé, the dance of freedom whose characteristic movement represents the broken chains of slaves.
Finally, the Nago. A war dance used in the time of slavery to conceal the combat training of the slave revolt.
I find all this fascinating. In my opinion dance is the best way to discover and understand Haitian culture – because each dance comes with its history.
A unique Haitian feature is what we call the konbit. The konbit is a group of people coming together to carry out a project in their community. It embodies the solidarity between Haitians and the desire to do everything in their power to help their community. This kind of dance reminds us that, although we are sometimes divided, at the end of the day the dance always ends up bringing us together.
Second we have the Ibolélé, the dance of freedom whose characteristic movement represents the broken chains of slaves.
Finally, the Nago. A war dance used in the time of slavery to conceal the combat training of the slave revolt.
I find all this fascinating. In my opinion dance is the best way to discover and understand Haitian culture – because each dance comes with its history.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Give back the night
Category:
Violence is not just overt, such as that committed by rapists, methamphetamine dealers, child molesters and spousal abusers. There are countless subtle ways – imagery, fantasy, flattery – violence is cultivated. Join us in a Topic to explore systemic violence, either privately or in a local group.
REFLECT: What are the roots of violence that result in violence against women?
What role do you play, directly or indirectly, in violence against women?
What are the subtle, indirect ways you make violence possible?
How does your job contribute to violence or peace?
Is the organization for which you work contributing to a better world? Or is it narrowly serving its own interest for profit at the expense of people and the planet?
What do you do for fun?
Do you mindlessly consume culture products (movies, music, performances) that perpetuate stereotypes against women? Do you participate in sexually (divisive) activities, such as strip clubs, viewing pornography? What do you do for creativity in your life (creating a more beautiful world)?
How do you think of women? What do you expect from them?
How do you help others – or hurt them?
What role do you play, directly or indirectly, in violence against women?
What are the subtle, indirect ways you make violence possible?
How does your job contribute to violence or peace?
Is the organization for which you work contributing to a better world? Or is it narrowly serving its own interest for profit at the expense of people and the planet?
What do you do for fun?
Do you mindlessly consume culture products (movies, music, performances) that perpetuate stereotypes against women? Do you participate in sexually (divisive) activities, such as strip clubs, viewing pornography? What do you do for creativity in your life (creating a more beautiful world)?
How do you think of women? What do you expect from them?
How do you help others – or hurt them?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
What is the purpose of art?
Category:
Mass culture creates a herd mentality, banishing independent and autonomous thought
It destroys our self-confidence. It marginalizes and discredits nonconformists. It depoliticizes the citizenry. It instills a sense of collective futility and impotence by presenting the ruling ideology as a revealed, unassailable truth, an inevitable and inexorable force that alone makes human progress possible.
Mass culture is an assault that, as Gramsci wrote, results in a “confused and fragmentary” consciousness or what Marx called “false consciousness.” It is designed to impart the belief to the proletariat that its “true” interests are aligned with those of the ruling class, in our case global corporatism.
Chris Hedges
Everything we do, see and hear is the result of perception management
“Our lives, everything we do, everything we see and hear, and everything we as ‘individuals’ do, is the result of a worldwide, long-entrenched perception management program. Anyone who fails to see it is deluded, and allowing themselves to be deluded.” New York Times comment
Modern culture operates by stimuli such as sex and greed
“Contemporary life in industrial societies operates almost entirely with such simple stimuli. What is stimulated are such drives as sexual desire, greed, sadism, destructiveness, narcissism; these stimuli are mediated through movies, television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the commodity market.” Erich Fromm
POSSIBILITIES
The artist must never cease warring with society, to make it more human
“Societies never know it, but the war of an artist with his society is a lover’s war, and he does, at his best, what lovers do, which is to reveal the beloved to himself and, with that revelation, to make freedom real.
“The conquest of the physical world is not man’s only duty. He is also enjoined to conquer the great wilderness of himself. The precise role of the artist, then, is to illuminate that darkness, blaze roads through that vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place.”
James Baldwin
Beauty which is acquired at the cost of justice is an abomination.
“The criterion by which we judge beauty is integrity, the criterion by which we judge integrity is truth, and truth is the correspondence of the finite to the infinite, the specific to the general, the cosmos to God. Beauty which is acquired at the cost of justice is an abomination and should be rejected for its loathsomeness.” Abraham Heschel
It destroys our self-confidence. It marginalizes and discredits nonconformists. It depoliticizes the citizenry. It instills a sense of collective futility and impotence by presenting the ruling ideology as a revealed, unassailable truth, an inevitable and inexorable force that alone makes human progress possible.
Mass culture is an assault that, as Gramsci wrote, results in a “confused and fragmentary” consciousness or what Marx called “false consciousness.” It is designed to impart the belief to the proletariat that its “true” interests are aligned with those of the ruling class, in our case global corporatism.
Chris Hedges
Everything we do, see and hear is the result of perception management
“Our lives, everything we do, everything we see and hear, and everything we as ‘individuals’ do, is the result of a worldwide, long-entrenched perception management program. Anyone who fails to see it is deluded, and allowing themselves to be deluded.” New York Times comment
Modern culture operates by stimuli such as sex and greed
“Contemporary life in industrial societies operates almost entirely with such simple stimuli. What is stimulated are such drives as sexual desire, greed, sadism, destructiveness, narcissism; these stimuli are mediated through movies, television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the commodity market.” Erich Fromm
POSSIBILITIES
The artist must never cease warring with society, to make it more human
“Societies never know it, but the war of an artist with his society is a lover’s war, and he does, at his best, what lovers do, which is to reveal the beloved to himself and, with that revelation, to make freedom real.
“The conquest of the physical world is not man’s only duty. He is also enjoined to conquer the great wilderness of himself. The precise role of the artist, then, is to illuminate that darkness, blaze roads through that vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place.”
James Baldwin
Beauty which is acquired at the cost of justice is an abomination.
“The criterion by which we judge beauty is integrity, the criterion by which we judge integrity is truth, and truth is the correspondence of the finite to the infinite, the specific to the general, the cosmos to God. Beauty which is acquired at the cost of justice is an abomination and should be rejected for its loathsomeness.” Abraham Heschel
It looks like this can serve as the introduction to a Topic.
The Creation of Adam, Michelangelo
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Businesses can make art great again
Category:
Cinemas should show films that explore matters of importance
Most of us enjoy going to exciting, escapist, sensual movies. But we also have a need for something a little more thoughtful. We should be able to see films that encourage understanding, films that make us think about matters of lasting importance, that present perspectives and possibilities we are not aware of.
In many theaters it’s impossible to find a thought-provoking film. Almost all films are provided by national Hollywood film industry, appealing to the instinct for sensory stimulation and pure distraction. Although it may be true that they are serving their customers interests, nevertheless they are contributing to the eroding of the mind and the annihilation of culture.
See our request: Show films that encourage depth of understanding and emotion.
Museums should aim to improve life and the community
Museums are staid monuments to culture. We stand behind supposedly great works of art as passive receptacles, gleaning just enough to return home able to survive our mundane life.
Can museums be a dynamic power that engages the imagination and transforms the community in which it lies?
The goal of culture should be not beauty but goodness. It should address our need for meaning and hope. It should place soul at the center of our concerns.
Museums should serve the whole range of the population, including the poor, uneducated and marginalized.
Galleries fall into trap of elitism
Galleries are an elitist approach that turns works of art into valuable objects to be consumed. They are fully embedded in the money system,
Is there another way? Can galleries contribute to living art, to art that brings a community and a person to life?
Art should accessible and relevant. Prices should be reasonable and affordable.
We need to make art less expensive and more freely available. We need art with a conscience and art with inspiration. To begin, let's put one piece of art in every home!
Learn more about how you can encourage the places you use to be more thoughtful…
Most of us enjoy going to exciting, escapist, sensual movies. But we also have a need for something a little more thoughtful. We should be able to see films that encourage understanding, films that make us think about matters of lasting importance, that present perspectives and possibilities we are not aware of.
In many theaters it’s impossible to find a thought-provoking film. Almost all films are provided by national Hollywood film industry, appealing to the instinct for sensory stimulation and pure distraction. Although it may be true that they are serving their customers interests, nevertheless they are contributing to the eroding of the mind and the annihilation of culture.
See our request: Show films that encourage depth of understanding and emotion.
Museums should aim to improve life and the community
Museums are staid monuments to culture. We stand behind supposedly great works of art as passive receptacles, gleaning just enough to return home able to survive our mundane life.
Can museums be a dynamic power that engages the imagination and transforms the community in which it lies?
The goal of culture should be not beauty but goodness. It should address our need for meaning and hope. It should place soul at the center of our concerns.
Museums should serve the whole range of the population, including the poor, uneducated and marginalized.
Galleries fall into trap of elitism
Galleries are an elitist approach that turns works of art into valuable objects to be consumed. They are fully embedded in the money system,
Is there another way? Can galleries contribute to living art, to art that brings a community and a person to life?
Art should accessible and relevant. Prices should be reasonable and affordable.
We need to make art less expensive and more freely available. We need art with a conscience and art with inspiration. To begin, let's put one piece of art in every home!
Learn more about how you can encourage the places you use to be more thoughtful…
Yayoi Kusama exhibition
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
You cannot charge a price for beauty
Category:
The modern world is in despair, robbed of beauty. We must have courage to look at our very lives and challenge everything that is culturally defined.
Art creates new ways of living: what we do during the course of the day, what we do for fun, from how we earn our living, how we define and govern our relationships, what we care about, what we believe in, what we dream, how we use our energy.
Visionary art arises from the soul. It informs us of what is happening and inspires us to forge another reality. It is songs of emptiness and fulness, songs of power and transformation. Art changes how we live our lives. Visionary art is a way to conceive of that world and take steps to get there. First, you imagine it. Then you create it in art. And then you make it real.
How can we create active, visionary art? The first step is to break the stranglehold of money. Art should created for sheer joy. The standard art forms such as painting, music dance, writing, film, are (fine). But there is much more. Art can be applied to every single thing we do. Everyone must have access to art. Every home, every workplace, and especially every center of entertainment.
The purpose of Visionary Society and this paper is to present tools for understanding life in society and doing something in response, including Topics, Projects and Challenges…
Art creates new ways of living: what we do during the course of the day, what we do for fun, from how we earn our living, how we define and govern our relationships, what we care about, what we believe in, what we dream, how we use our energy.
Visionary art arises from the soul. It informs us of what is happening and inspires us to forge another reality. It is songs of emptiness and fulness, songs of power and transformation. Art changes how we live our lives. Visionary art is a way to conceive of that world and take steps to get there. First, you imagine it. Then you create it in art. And then you make it real.
How can we create active, visionary art? The first step is to break the stranglehold of money. Art should created for sheer joy. The standard art forms such as painting, music dance, writing, film, are (fine). But there is much more. Art can be applied to every single thing we do. Everyone must have access to art. Every home, every workplace, and especially every center of entertainment.
The purpose of Visionary Society and this paper is to present tools for understanding life in society and doing something in response, including Topics, Projects and Challenges…
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Make art an essential part of your daily life
Category:
Here are some possibilities, based on what people are already doing.
Art and play at bus stops
Create a space for art, reflection and play at any and every Anchorage bus stop. Reach out to local artists and anyone with a creative inclination or new idea and install them at our bus stops.
Art installations for reducing anonymity
The Emotional Baggage Drop installation mimics a luggage drop. Instead of collecting luggage, however, the private booth—which had design parallels to a church confessional— allowed people to share their emotional “baggage” with a stranger.
Art in every home
We need new ways to display, express and interact with art. We need art that is less expensive and more available. To begin, let's put one piece of art in every home!
Alternative art supplies
A small creative group designing art supply essentials at great prices so that we can all afford to make art part of every day. www.art-alternatives.com
Art and play at bus stops
Create a space for art, reflection and play at any and every Anchorage bus stop. Reach out to local artists and anyone with a creative inclination or new idea and install them at our bus stops.
Art installations for reducing anonymity
The Emotional Baggage Drop installation mimics a luggage drop. Instead of collecting luggage, however, the private booth—which had design parallels to a church confessional— allowed people to share their emotional “baggage” with a stranger.
Art in every home
We need new ways to display, express and interact with art. We need art that is less expensive and more available. To begin, let's put one piece of art in every home!
Alternative art supplies
A small creative group designing art supply essentials at great prices so that we can all afford to make art part of every day. www.art-alternatives.com
Go here to learn more and to show your support, building the critical mass in your own community to bring it to life. Or share what you are doing yourself in the comments below. Make everyday life beautiful!
Caption for image 1
Caption for image 2
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Quest path for art and culture
Category:
Current situation: Conventional art changes nothing.
It is unremarkable. It doesn’t address the real problems we face, such as depression, addiction and homelessness. Its purpose is to make conventional life bearable. It is used for self-satisfaction, complacency, and consumerism. It serves merely to distract and give solace. It is part of our consumerist culture.
There are innumerable clever, hard-working poets, painters, singers, dancers. There are thousands of museums, galleries, theaters and concert halls. Every city has a grand performing arts center that costs tens of millions of dollars, multiple movie screens, playhouses and theaters. But art is powerless. Society continues as before, superficial and materialistic.
Vision: Beauty and creativity in everyday life
Can art help us feel intensely the beauty of the earth and sky? Can it help us express the majesty of life, the immense potential we have to make the world better?
Real art is dynamic, alive, sensitive. It is a way to conceive of a truly beautiful world and it takes steps to get there. Visionary art creates new ways of living – what we do during the course of the day, what we do for fun, from how we earn our living, how we define and govern our relationships, what we care about, what we believe in, what we dream, how we use our energy.
The art scene has remarkable potential. Everyone must have access to art. Everyone must create art, in one form or another.
Topics
Explore the meaning of culture Topics.
Mass culture
What is the purpose of art?
Practice
Take account of the effect on your psyche. Think of a work of art you have enjoyed. How did it make you feel? Did it inflame your ego? Does it reinforce stereotypes? Does it make you compare yourself to others? Or did it recognize the part of you that you admire? Did it make you feel more human? Did it address what is best in you?
Action
Visionary Society Action is an alternative to standard activism. See articles in this edition for details.
Finish this
Business requests
Alternatives
Beautiful Books
The purpose of Beautiful Books is to promote and celebrate beautiful art. We want to remind each other that culture can lift and inspire, inform and transform. Goodness, beauty and truth exist. Let’s join together to rediscover what this is.
Pledge
A pledge is thoughtfulness about a profession.
Put the fair and good into your mind. Ask for meaning at every cultural experience. Stop participating in the illusory, idolatrous, superficial, and degraded.
See complete pledge
It is unremarkable. It doesn’t address the real problems we face, such as depression, addiction and homelessness. Its purpose is to make conventional life bearable. It is used for self-satisfaction, complacency, and consumerism. It serves merely to distract and give solace. It is part of our consumerist culture.
There are innumerable clever, hard-working poets, painters, singers, dancers. There are thousands of museums, galleries, theaters and concert halls. Every city has a grand performing arts center that costs tens of millions of dollars, multiple movie screens, playhouses and theaters. But art is powerless. Society continues as before, superficial and materialistic.
Vision: Beauty and creativity in everyday life
Can art help us feel intensely the beauty of the earth and sky? Can it help us express the majesty of life, the immense potential we have to make the world better?
Real art is dynamic, alive, sensitive. It is a way to conceive of a truly beautiful world and it takes steps to get there. Visionary art creates new ways of living – what we do during the course of the day, what we do for fun, from how we earn our living, how we define and govern our relationships, what we care about, what we believe in, what we dream, how we use our energy.
The art scene has remarkable potential. Everyone must have access to art. Everyone must create art, in one form or another.
What is the Quest Path?
Quest path is the totality of a response to a mystery. What you do with your talents and passion, money and time? Do not underestimate yourself. Everyone must find out for themselves, but we can work help each other along. Quest is the exploration of who we are and who we must become. Quest is aliveness. It is community. It is revolutionary.
Quest path is the totality of a response to a mystery. What you do with your talents and passion, money and time? Do not underestimate yourself. Everyone must find out for themselves, but we can work help each other along. Quest is the exploration of who we are and who we must become. Quest is aliveness. It is community. It is revolutionary.
Topics
Explore the meaning of culture Topics.
Mass culture
What is the purpose of art?
Practice
Take account of the effect on your psyche. Think of a work of art you have enjoyed. How did it make you feel? Did it inflame your ego? Does it reinforce stereotypes? Does it make you compare yourself to others? Or did it recognize the part of you that you admire? Did it make you feel more human? Did it address what is best in you?
Action
Visionary Society Action is an alternative to standard activism. See articles in this edition for details.
Finish this
Business requests
Alternatives
Beautiful Books
The purpose of Beautiful Books is to promote and celebrate beautiful art. We want to remind each other that culture can lift and inspire, inform and transform. Goodness, beauty and truth exist. Let’s join together to rediscover what this is.
Pledge
A pledge is thoughtfulness about a profession.
Put the fair and good into your mind. Ask for meaning at every cultural experience. Stop participating in the illusory, idolatrous, superficial, and degraded.
See complete pledge
What can you do?
→ Join a Proposal or add your own
→ Review the article in this edition for details on the Quest path opportunities presented here.
→ Explore Culture by taking a Topic.
→ Sign up for our newsletter and eceive notifications about actions and events in (your community)
→ Help with this edition. For example, distribute locally (and speak to a staff person).
→ RSVP to the lcoal meeting. Explore ideas for understanding and action with like-minded people in your community.
→ Join a Proposal or add your own
→ Review the article in this edition for details on the Quest path opportunities presented here.
→ Explore Culture by taking a Topic.
→ Sign up for our newsletter and eceive notifications about actions and events in (your community)
→ Help with this edition. For example, distribute locally (and speak to a staff person).
→ RSVP to the lcoal meeting. Explore ideas for understanding and action with like-minded people in your community.
Help the elderly continue to live in their homes
Category:
90% of elders would prefer to age at home, but the resources just aren’t there. As we get older our social group tends to get smaller. Neighbors help neighbors stay neighbors.
Develop any idea you like. Meet once a month to share stories. Read plays. Eat together. Weekly woman or men’s coffee. Walking groups of various kinds. A monthly salon to discuss relevant issues. Trips to museums, etc.
Develop any idea you like. Meet once a month to share stories. Read plays. Eat together. Weekly woman or men’s coffee. Walking groups of various kinds. A monthly salon to discuss relevant issues. Trips to museums, etc.
This is an opportunity for people who are transitioning from work to get involved in a meaningful way. Your network of friends narrows and you may have skills that get rusty. This is a way to use some of the expertise you have. Older people like to feel that they are valuable with this group of people, people who have been vetted… If we wait to figure this out there are going to be a whole lot of people in trouble. “Our mission is to fill the gap that other organizations don’t fill (such as Elders in Action).”
What is needed is a core group of about 5 - 10 people who volunteers who will shepherd the organization during its growth phase, do the outreach, build a base of support, get the members. That takes 2 - 4 years. It’s a grassroots process. Our goal is to start each group with about 30 members and volunteers. We try to build a base of 400 - 600 people by the time we open.
The Village Movement is a membership organization. The typical full service monthly membership is $45 for an individual. This includes up to 3 rides per week, access to all social events and the vetted vendor programs. Associated membership, $25 per month. Includes all social activities. And its a kind of insurance policy - ride to the airport, etc. Temporary upgrade up to six weeks to full service membership if there is an emergency. There is a background check based on seven years of addresses.
The Village Movement is a national organization that includes many local groups. Each village has its own government council. It began in 1999 in Boston. There are 200 villages active across the USA and another 150 in development.
The Village Movement
Local group website: www.riverwestvillage.org
Overall website: www.villagesnw.org
Interview
Villages Northwest
The Village Movement: Redefining "Aging in Place." Lynn trainer, Villages Northwest, and Lee Radovich,
https://kboo.org/program/retiredor-rewired
What is needed is a core group of about 5 - 10 people who volunteers who will shepherd the organization during its growth phase, do the outreach, build a base of support, get the members. That takes 2 - 4 years. It’s a grassroots process. Our goal is to start each group with about 30 members and volunteers. We try to build a base of 400 - 600 people by the time we open.
The Village Movement is a membership organization. The typical full service monthly membership is $45 for an individual. This includes up to 3 rides per week, access to all social events and the vetted vendor programs. Associated membership, $25 per month. Includes all social activities. And its a kind of insurance policy - ride to the airport, etc. Temporary upgrade up to six weeks to full service membership if there is an emergency. There is a background check based on seven years of addresses.
The Village Movement is a national organization that includes many local groups. Each village has its own government council. It began in 1999 in Boston. There are 200 villages active across the USA and another 150 in development.
The Village Movement
Local group website: www.riverwestvillage.org
Overall website: www.villagesnw.org
Interview
Villages Northwest
The Village Movement: Redefining "Aging in Place." Lynn trainer, Villages Northwest, and Lee Radovich,
https://kboo.org/program/retiredor-rewired
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Proposals: How can you make the world better?
Category:
What do you care about, are concerned with, need help with or want to help? What can you offer to the public, teach or contribute to? What do you need help with? How can you address a practical or long-term problem?
How it works
Who can use Proposals? Individuals, informal groups, businesses and non-profits. That is, anyone. Choose the options you need to create the experience you want. You may ask participants to raise funds, provide direct services or training, or contact other non-profits for assistance.
What kind of Proposal can you make?
Something you need help with
Ask community members to help with a cause. Promote a task, event or project.
Ask for help with a project you are working on.
Ask for volunteers.
Raise funds.
Someone is alone, abandoned, depressed, addicted, or imprisoned, and needs help
Offer something to the public
Teach something.
Create something new in the community
Share or give something you have.
Schedule a meeting on a topic of importance.
Share something you care about
Tell a story about something that matters to you.
Share your thoughts about how to make the community better.
Anything else based on heart-centered concern for making a more beautiful world!
How it works
Who can use Proposals? Individuals, informal groups, businesses and non-profits. That is, anyone. Choose the options you need to create the experience you want. You may ask participants to raise funds, provide direct services or training, or contact other non-profits for assistance.
What kind of Proposal can you make?
Something you need help with
Ask community members to help with a cause. Promote a task, event or project.
Ask for help with a project you are working on.
Ask for volunteers.
Raise funds.
Someone is alone, abandoned, depressed, addicted, or imprisoned, and needs help
Offer something to the public
Teach something.
Create something new in the community
Share or give something you have.
Schedule a meeting on a topic of importance.
Share something you care about
Tell a story about something that matters to you.
Share your thoughts about how to make the community better.
Anything else based on heart-centered concern for making a more beautiful world!
How can you get started?
• Browse Proposals to find one that interests you.
• Learn about the proposal and the lives of participants.
• Join a Zoom or Skype meeting to meet the local Guide and participants.
• Contribute something (a small amount of money or something useful such as medical supplies).
• Write a letter to an organization able to provide help (such as food or medical care).
• Add to your Profile, sharing with friends thoughts about how you want to improve the community.
• Browse Proposals to find one that interests you.
• Learn about the proposal and the lives of participants.
• Join a Zoom or Skype meeting to meet the local Guide and participants.
• Contribute something (a small amount of money or something useful such as medical supplies).
• Write a letter to an organization able to provide help (such as food or medical care).
• Add to your Profile, sharing with friends thoughts about how you want to improve the community.
Haiti in the time of the pandemic
Category:
In addition to the pandemic, the situation in Haiti has been very bad for the past three years, especially in Cite Soleil, the slum located at the edge of town.
The main problem is the rise of gangsters and bandits. They will rob you, taking your belongings in order to survive. They will kidnap you. and kill you. It is now too dangerous to travel into Cite Soleil. They have been fighting among themselves for many months, going into all 44 districts, such as Brooklyn, Boston and Beleko, burning houses and killing people.
The bandits are young, living in very extreme poverty, not able to take care themselves, wearing sandals, but well-armed with heavy weapons. Where do these young men get the money to purchase munitions? From politicians. Politicians give them weapons to help them when there are elections. The President himself employs some of them, paying them to work for him, to keep his power. The opposition hires the others. So you can see that the basic problem is political.
They terrorize the people living in their own city. They force individuals to fight for them. Either that or they force residents out of the region. They say, ‘If you don’t leave your house, I will kill you.’ They have killed many people. Cite Soleil, long known as the biggest slum in the Western Hemisphere, is now almost empty. A lot of people have already moved. Some of them are sleeping on the streets in Port-au-Prince. Others have moved back to the countryside.
The Pandemic
So far twenty people have died and two hundred are infected. But there are projections that 20,000 people will die during the next three months. People are still sitting in crowds in tap-taps (converted pickup trucks) and buses, and the population lives day-by-day to make a living. There is no choice. If you do not do not go out you will not be able to help your family.
The main problem is the rise of gangsters and bandits. They will rob you, taking your belongings in order to survive. They will kidnap you. and kill you. It is now too dangerous to travel into Cite Soleil. They have been fighting among themselves for many months, going into all 44 districts, such as Brooklyn, Boston and Beleko, burning houses and killing people.
The bandits are young, living in very extreme poverty, not able to take care themselves, wearing sandals, but well-armed with heavy weapons. Where do these young men get the money to purchase munitions? From politicians. Politicians give them weapons to help them when there are elections. The President himself employs some of them, paying them to work for him, to keep his power. The opposition hires the others. So you can see that the basic problem is political.
They terrorize the people living in their own city. They force individuals to fight for them. Either that or they force residents out of the region. They say, ‘If you don’t leave your house, I will kill you.’ They have killed many people. Cite Soleil, long known as the biggest slum in the Western Hemisphere, is now almost empty. A lot of people have already moved. Some of them are sleeping on the streets in Port-au-Prince. Others have moved back to the countryside.
The Pandemic
So far twenty people have died and two hundred are infected. But there are projections that 20,000 people will die during the next three months. People are still sitting in crowds in tap-taps (converted pickup trucks) and buses, and the population lives day-by-day to make a living. There is no choice. If you do not do not go out you will not be able to help your family.
The truth is that our leaders, politicians and rich men want Haiti stay in this situation because it is the way they make money for their pockets and keep the poor people in the misery and extreme poverty. That is a terrible situation. Haiti is about one and a half hours from Florida and it is in extreme poverty and dirty. It is too close to America to be treated like this.
Downtown Port-au-Prince Haiti
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
What is Visionary Society?
Category:
Is a meaningful life possible? Can we make use of our intelligence and creativity, our passion and compassion? Can we shake off the trance that makes us sleepwalk through our lives? Can we have real understanding or true friendship?
Most of us feel powerless. That is because we are powerless. Vast forces such as government, corporations, and technology dominate our lives. Within this system we might be able to carve out personal happiness if we are lucky. But this changes little.
The whole way society is organized suppresses our minds. But blaming society – government and corporations – is not helpful and is actually part of the problem. We have to find a way that takes advantage of our tremendous but underutilized abilities.
After our last print experiment more than ten years ago, Alaska Humanity News, we promised ourselves that we wouldn’t print again until we were able to actually DO something about the news. Is it possible to actually change something at the root level? That is what we have been wrestling with the last few years.
Visionary News is not what you ordinarily see in the media, which is news of current events, usually from a political perspective. News of the real is what lies under the surface, what produces current events by our fears and instincts, our hopes and dreams. It is the very root of our life. It is at the center of our heart. Can we find it? Maybe not, but at least we can set forth to make the attempt, in every case and in every way.
The things that really matter – the subtle and the sublime – produce the nitty gritty of society, the hot dog stands, the popular movies, the failing health care system, the mighty military machine, the mass incarceration system, and the dysfunctional lives that most of us live. Our lives are too comfortable. We don’t even know who we are. You can’t know if you’re not tested.
Welcome to the first edition of Visionary News. This is not a static, one-way production. Every article culminates in a series of steps that you can take (available in the online edition). Visionary News is dependent on your participation. Let’s make Salem more thoughtful, more meaningful, and – dare we envision it – more sublime.
The whole way society is organized suppresses our minds. But blaming society – government and corporations – is not helpful and is actually part of the problem. We have to find a way that takes advantage of our tremendous but underutilized abilities.
After our last print experiment more than ten years ago, Alaska Humanity News, we promised ourselves that we wouldn’t print again until we were able to actually DO something about the news. Is it possible to actually change something at the root level? That is what we have been wrestling with the last few years.
Visionary News is not what you ordinarily see in the media, which is news of current events, usually from a political perspective. News of the real is what lies under the surface, what produces current events by our fears and instincts, our hopes and dreams. It is the very root of our life. It is at the center of our heart. Can we find it? Maybe not, but at least we can set forth to make the attempt, in every case and in every way.
The things that really matter – the subtle and the sublime – produce the nitty gritty of society, the hot dog stands, the popular movies, the failing health care system, the mighty military machine, the mass incarceration system, and the dysfunctional lives that most of us live. Our lives are too comfortable. We don’t even know who we are. You can’t know if you’re not tested.
Welcome to the first edition of Visionary News. This is not a static, one-way production. Every article culminates in a series of steps that you can take (available in the online edition). Visionary News is dependent on your participation. Let’s make Salem more thoughtful, more meaningful, and – dare we envision it – more sublime.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
The beautiful city of Salem has fallen into a trance
Category:
From the outside, Salem seems like Shangri-La. Our wide, safe streets, lovely suburbs, and generally civil and friendly behavior make Salem a popular destination. But this pleasant exterior is taking place at the expense of freedom, understanding and relationship.
Recent statistics show that Salem has a property crime rate almost three times the national average, or 7,195 incidents per hundred thousand people each year. Oregon is ranked as the worst in the nation for mental health related suicide.
What can explain the discrepancy between the outer and inner state? Nearly all of downtown is devoted to money-making. Almost all city and civil functions are devoted to business and security. Every other basic human need – companionship, adventure, diversity, creativity, spirituality, and helping others – is neglected.
Salem is a fast-growing city. Oregon’s intense natural beauty, the considerably lower cost of living than California, and the state’s recreational marijuana law, is drawing large numbers of people from states where marijuana remains criminalized. Portland residents, overpriced and tired of an overcrowded metropolis, are also relocating to Salem in large numbers, further driving the cost and gentrification of Oregon’s Capital City.
Salem has nearly twice the national average number of veterans, and continues to grow in this area. With military combat veterans in the mix, teen depression, a lack of homeless facilities for women, and hundreds and hundreds of unsheltered people living outdoors, perhaps it isn't surprising that Oregon’s suicide rate has been increasing since 2000.
Many of the same problems exist nationally. The National Institute of Mental Health found that 46% of American adults meet the criteria for being mentally ill. Ten percent of Americans over the age of four now take anti-depressants. Consumption of anti-depressants is 2/3 of the entire world’s consumption.
What can explain the discrepancy between the outer and inner state? Nearly all of downtown is devoted to money-making. Almost all city and civil functions are devoted to business and security. Every other basic human need – companionship, adventure, diversity, creativity, spirituality, and helping others – is neglected.
Salem is a fast-growing city. Oregon’s intense natural beauty, the considerably lower cost of living than California, and the state’s recreational marijuana law, is drawing large numbers of people from states where marijuana remains criminalized. Portland residents, overpriced and tired of an overcrowded metropolis, are also relocating to Salem in large numbers, further driving the cost and gentrification of Oregon’s Capital City.
Salem has nearly twice the national average number of veterans, and continues to grow in this area. With military combat veterans in the mix, teen depression, a lack of homeless facilities for women, and hundreds and hundreds of unsheltered people living outdoors, perhaps it isn't surprising that Oregon’s suicide rate has been increasing since 2000.
Many of the same problems exist nationally. The National Institute of Mental Health found that 46% of American adults meet the criteria for being mentally ill. Ten percent of Americans over the age of four now take anti-depressants. Consumption of anti-depressants is 2/3 of the entire world’s consumption.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Local cafes serve up standardized, corporate music
Category:
The great majority of music played in both large and small retail businesses throughout Salem is created by national artists and distributed by corporations. You might expect something different in our popular, hip cafes, which are some of our only remaining quasi-public spaces. But all of the cafes we visited play music that is produced, paid for and distributed by multinational corporations.
It’s the contemporary music that people all know, and it contributes to a culture of uniformity and apathy. It is desensitizing. Commercial music is typically used to manipulate the feelings and thoughts of customers. It stops conversation and makes it hard to reflect.
We talked to managers and baristas at many Salem coffee houses about where their music comes from, and if they would consider using local music instead. All gave an enthusiastic, favorable response. It makes a lot of sense. Salem musicians would be promoted and become more well-known, their music would reach out and entertain people. And it would be far more interesting for café patrons.
One barista at the Break Point Cafe says it would “be awesome to have local music playing all the time.” A manager from Venti’s Cafe says the idea is interesting but replied, “We use Spotify for music and it is working out really well for us.”
Salem is full of local music talent. Generations of music have been produced in Salem, Oregon and the surrounding areas. Some bands perform professionally. Others play music simply because they enjoy writing and performing. But local bands have been neglected and have been ripped off.
We talked to managers and baristas at many Salem coffee houses about where their music comes from, and if they would consider using local music instead. All gave an enthusiastic, favorable response. It makes a lot of sense. Salem musicians would be promoted and become more well-known, their music would reach out and entertain people. And it would be far more interesting for café patrons.
One barista at the Break Point Cafe says it would “be awesome to have local music playing all the time.” A manager from Venti’s Cafe says the idea is interesting but replied, “We use Spotify for music and it is working out really well for us.”
Salem is full of local music talent. Generations of music have been produced in Salem, Oregon and the surrounding areas. Some bands perform professionally. Others play music simply because they enjoy writing and performing. But local bands have been neglected and have been ripped off.
The Majestic Cafe in Porto, Portugal
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Local banks take advantage of those in trouble
Category:
In addition to poverty, those with little money suffer from the banking system itself. Banks restrict access to bank accounts, making it difficult for those with poor credit or who have no home to engage in the basic economic services needed to lead a decent life.
All banks charge hefty overdraft fees, ranging from $25 to $35 for a single item, taking advantage of the middle class. The challenges are even greater for people living unsheltered, or homeless. Banks accumulate tens of thousands or millions of dollars a year from these fees, a significant part of their profit model.
We visited Salem area financial institutions to learn more about the obstacles financially challenged people face. Selco Bank confirmed that in order for a person to have an account, they have to have a physical address. Although a credit record is not required by some banks, and even poor credit is not disqualifying, all banks use ChexSystems to track fraudulent activity. No one listed as having committed financial fraud is approved for any kind of bank account.
A representative at Union Bank said that they do not run background checks or credit reports on prospective clients, and that customers who have had banking issues can apply for “access accounts” that allow them to have a bank account with limited services.
In our initial outreach we called numerous banks throughout Salem, asking to schedule interviews to discuss how the bank functions in the community. We contacted local branches of multinational corporations such as Bank of America and Chase Bank, as well as credit unions such as Umpqua and Pioneer Trust Bank. Some said that they would get back with us; others said that they would have to contact their main office; and and yet more simply said that they would think about it. No banks responded. It was very disappointing: if we – journalists – can’t easily glean information about banking practices, how can the poor people get a response? So we continued our research by approaching the banks directly.
We visited Salem area financial institutions to learn more about the obstacles financially challenged people face. Selco Bank confirmed that in order for a person to have an account, they have to have a physical address. Although a credit record is not required by some banks, and even poor credit is not disqualifying, all banks use ChexSystems to track fraudulent activity. No one listed as having committed financial fraud is approved for any kind of bank account.
A representative at Union Bank said that they do not run background checks or credit reports on prospective clients, and that customers who have had banking issues can apply for “access accounts” that allow them to have a bank account with limited services.
In our initial outreach we called numerous banks throughout Salem, asking to schedule interviews to discuss how the bank functions in the community. We contacted local branches of multinational corporations such as Bank of America and Chase Bank, as well as credit unions such as Umpqua and Pioneer Trust Bank. Some said that they would get back with us; others said that they would have to contact their main office; and and yet more simply said that they would think about it. No banks responded. It was very disappointing: if we – journalists – can’t easily glean information about banking practices, how can the poor people get a response? So we continued our research by approaching the banks directly.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Wal-Mart, Other Big Box Stores Refuse to Allow Overnight Parking
Category:
Big box stores are a testament to the wealth of America, where you can seemingly get anything you want. Not quite. If you simply need a place to park at night when the vast parking lots are entirely empty, you will find that there is a dark side to all this prosperity.
Every night, growing numbers of homeless people in Salem search for safe places to stay overnight. For many years Wal-Mart allowed motor homes to park overnight in the store’s parking lots. Those rules have changed, and now it is completely illegal to remain in any Wal-Mart parking lot. Other big box stores, including Salem’s Home Depot, also have rules against overnight parking. However, a representative of that store told us about a loophole. They don’t enforce the rule in the evening, and in the early morning they ask people to leave, rather than calling the police, saying, “If they don’t leave, then we eventually will call the police, but we try to avoid it.”
Because of gentrification, many are priced out of their homes, but they may still want to remain in the city they are from. This problem is much worse than it was 30 or 40 years ago.
A series of rulings passed September 4th, 2018 in the 9th Circuit Court have legalized camping outdoors, and that includes sleeping in cars. The story began in Venice, Ca. A 2006 ruling determined that the individuals had a legal right to sleep in their cars on a public street. The matter was revisited in 2018 and the judges affirmed a homeless person’s right to sleep outdoors. “The panel held that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment precluded the enforcement of a statute prohibiting sleeping outside against homeless individuals with no access to alternative shelter. The panel held that, as long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors, on public property, on the false premise they had a choice in the matter.”
Because of gentrification, many are priced out of their homes, but they may still want to remain in the city they are from. This problem is much worse than it was 30 or 40 years ago.
A series of rulings passed September 4th, 2018 in the 9th Circuit Court have legalized camping outdoors, and that includes sleeping in cars. The story began in Venice, Ca. A 2006 ruling determined that the individuals had a legal right to sleep in their cars on a public street. The matter was revisited in 2018 and the judges affirmed a homeless person’s right to sleep outdoors. “The panel held that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment precluded the enforcement of a statute prohibiting sleeping outside against homeless individuals with no access to alternative shelter. The panel held that, as long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors, on public property, on the false premise they had a choice in the matter.”
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Salem convenience stores do not carry local products
Category:
A review of a number of local store shelves show that most stores carry very little – if anything – in the way of local products. One Shell convenience store and gas station owned by the SanJay company offers no local products of any kind. Another Shell station owned by the Jackson’s chain, located on South Commercial, was also void of local products.
Many Salem convenience stores sell processed food laden with preservatives. They sell cigarettes, gasoline, alcohol and pre-packaged food. Many are run by national corporations based hundreds of miles away, and so have little knowledge of or interest in improving the local economy and the health of the people.
Salem, Oregon businesses produce a wide range of products that would fit well in a convenience store. Even popular Kettle Chips, manufactured in Salem, Oregon, are not present on the shelves of most of our convenience stores.
Can stores sell packaged food that benefits the community and the individual?
Salem, Oregon businesses produce a wide range of products that would fit well in a convenience store. Even popular Kettle Chips, manufactured in Salem, Oregon, are not present on the shelves of most of our convenience stores.
Can stores sell packaged food that benefits the community and the individual?
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Feeding homeless under Marion Street Bridge now illegal
Category:
Officials with the city of Salem have stopped issuing permits that allow volunteers to feed homeless people under the Marion Street bridge in Salem. The city also banned the area as a homeless camping site, saying that the area has become dangerous and dirty and that crime and trash have plagued the area.
Political position 1
Praising the city’s move, Salem’s local newspaper The Statesman Journal, thanked city officials for taking the steps to clear out the Marion Bridge area, saying, “So we're relieved the city of Salem tried something different Tuesday when it cleared out a makeshift homeless camp of tents that had sprung up around the support beams of the Marion Street Bridge downtown.”
Political position 2
The city has agreed to offer social service providers to members of the homeless camp under the bridge, but services are insufficient. For example, Salem’s Union Gospel Mission currently provides help to men only. There is not a single facility in Salem that offers homeless women a safe place to spend the night. Also, the city requires temperatures to drop to dangerously low numbers before the city will allow warming shelters to open.
News of the real
All people have the right and responsibility to exercise their own will, independence, courage, time and money to help others. Criminalizing this most basic human function – compassion – is a striking form of dehumanization
Find out for YOURSELF at the
Homelessness Topic.
Political position 1
Praising the city’s move, Salem’s local newspaper The Statesman Journal, thanked city officials for taking the steps to clear out the Marion Bridge area, saying, “So we're relieved the city of Salem tried something different Tuesday when it cleared out a makeshift homeless camp of tents that had sprung up around the support beams of the Marion Street Bridge downtown.”
Political position 2
The city has agreed to offer social service providers to members of the homeless camp under the bridge, but services are insufficient. For example, Salem’s Union Gospel Mission currently provides help to men only. There is not a single facility in Salem that offers homeless women a safe place to spend the night. Also, the city requires temperatures to drop to dangerously low numbers before the city will allow warming shelters to open.
News of the real
All people have the right and responsibility to exercise their own will, independence, courage, time and money to help others. Criminalizing this most basic human function – compassion – is a striking form of dehumanization
Find out for YOURSELF at the
Homelessness Topic.
Photo by Tim King
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
All Salem supermarkets sell meat from factory farms
Category:
All of the Salem supermarkets we visited sold meat from farms that raise meat under abusive conditions.
Roth’s IGA, while carrying plenty of factory farm beef, maintains a selection of packaged beef that is not factory farmed – grass-fed, and by all accounts, a cut above the standard meats. Winco, an employee-owned store, is similar to IGA in that it carries an assortment of both factory farm meat, and healthier, kinder meat products.
You definitely pay more for products that do not originate from a factory farm. Stores that are more specialized, like Trader Joe’s, are quite similar in practice to the two aforementioned stores. While an effort is clearly made to offer healthier foods, most of the beef at Trader Joe’s is actually factory farm meat. The store offers a variety of other more moral meats, but even the beef sold under the store's name originates from factory farms.
The one store we visited in Salem that makes an active effort to source meat from farms where animals were treated humanely is Natural Foods. This store’s employees are well-versed when discussing the merits of their store. One employee explained that the store has extremely strict guidelines and does not sell any factory farm food. We did find a single item that may actually be produced in a factory farm: Mulay’s Breakfast Sausage. While the packaging does say that there are no antibiotics, no MSG, and fed a vegetarian diet, it says little about the way the animals were treated.
You definitely pay more for products that do not originate from a factory farm. Stores that are more specialized, like Trader Joe’s, are quite similar in practice to the two aforementioned stores. While an effort is clearly made to offer healthier foods, most of the beef at Trader Joe’s is actually factory farm meat. The store offers a variety of other more moral meats, but even the beef sold under the store's name originates from factory farms.
The one store we visited in Salem that makes an active effort to source meat from farms where animals were treated humanely is Natural Foods. This store’s employees are well-versed when discussing the merits of their store. One employee explained that the store has extremely strict guidelines and does not sell any factory farm food. We did find a single item that may actually be produced in a factory farm: Mulay’s Breakfast Sausage. While the packaging does say that there are no antibiotics, no MSG, and fed a vegetarian diet, it says little about the way the animals were treated.
Almost all of the meat, milk and eggs consumed in the United States come from factory farms, which raise billions of chickens, pigs and cows every year in abusive conditions
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
The meat we buy should not come from abused animals
Category:
asd;flkj alsdkjf as;ldfkj sd
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Alaska Prisons to be held to a standard of basic decency
Category:
The United States imprisons more people than anywhere else in the world, often under harsh, dehumanizing conditions. This is a result of years of desensitization to the effects of our actions - the long-term and the inner effects.
"Out of site, out of mind" - but we continue to be responsible, and what we do to the outcasts of our society continues to effect us. Using Visionary Society tools we can hold ourselves to a higher standard, and start making changes that might have been inconceivable.
To get started, Visionary Society is offering a stipend to someone to become a Coordinator of this Request.
"Out of site, out of mind" - but we continue to be responsible, and what we do to the outcasts of our society continues to effect us. Using Visionary Society tools we can hold ourselves to a higher standard, and start making changes that might have been inconceivable.
To get started, Visionary Society is offering a stipend to someone to become a Coordinator of this Request.
Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Visionary Society starting in Anchorage
Category:
Several projects sponsored by Visionary Society are now underway in Anchorage. In order to get started in a new community Visionary Society is providing stipends for those who have a real interest in a specific area.
Visionary Society is a way to engage businesses and organizations at a level that is rarely attempted. Visionary Society works by exploring the real underlying conditions of a current even, and on envisioning the highest and best possible solutions.
Visionary Society is a way to engage businesses and organizations at a level that is rarely attempted. Visionary Society works by exploring the real underlying conditions of a current even, and on envisioning the highest and best possible solutions.
Qupqugiaq Inn lobby. One of the purposes of the Inn is to help develop Visionary Society
Visionary News
Category:
News of the real, Created by ourselves
The goal of Visionary News is to identify and publicize misunderstood and poorly represented issues, to find the root of the social problem and potential transformative responses - to find news of the real: whatever is deepest and truest in ourselves and in society. Visionary News is part of the non-profit Visionary Society...
Visionary News is citizen journalism with a mission. Anyone who wishes may contribute to any function of the paper, including writing articles, contributing other content, publicity, or being one of our rotating editors.
Break through socially constructed reality
Sensitivity to life
Seeing deeply, within, reaching the heart
Overcoming political reflexes and solutions
Transforming perennial…
The goal of Visionary News is to identify and publicize misundersood and poorly represented issues, to find the root of the social problem and potential transformative responses - to find news of the real: whatever is deepest and truest in ourselves and in society. Visionary News is part of the non-profit Visionary Society...
Fair use: This publication contains some copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner, and which...
Principles
Focus on the most pressing issues
What is pressing?
– Affect well-being
– Affect us most directly.
Address the full range of our needs
Conventional news addresses our superficial aspects: biological and psychological functions, self-preservation, economic wealth, and the satisfaction of desire.
They focus on security (accumulating economic wealth), self-interest (policies on social issues), self-preservation (war), glory and pleasure (sports and entertainment).
Include our human or spiritual needs, including… Adventurousness, solidarity, equality, idealism (See more from Erich Fromm)
Question assumptions
Don't assume that our present choices are a discrete and permanent fact.
Don't assume that needs are satisfied by commodities.
Don't assume the permanent existence of factions.
Try to be free of social and political influences
Do not be political, ideological, or biased
Without ideology or dogma, political partisanship, religious bias, or self-righteousness.
Do not propitiate the power holders.
Do not appeal to (or blame) leaders or authorities
Ask the most challenging questions
Look for perplexing contradictions. Look for unexamined assaults on everyday life.
Ask the impossible question, penetrate the illusion.
What we are not
Political: Liberal, Progressive, or Conservative (but interested in the effect of politics on human beings).
Entertainment oriented (but interested in the exploration or celebration of life).
Religious, ‘new age’ or spiritualistic (but capable of seeing what is sacred or ultimate).
Body or Health oriented.
Vulgar.
Contentious (but capable of positive, direct challenge).
Goals
Visionary News is the public creating the real news of the city. It is a collaborative project of anyone who wants to look under the surface of public events.
The goal of Visionary News is to reclaim the self-evident, to make the obvious impossible to deny. We want to find and publicize what is most real in everyday situations: the extent to which good, beauty, truth, the sacred and love are suppressed or expressed. We want to shake our complacency, challenge the status quo from a positive perspective, and draw us together in active co-creation of institutions that express our real identity. We can do this without ideology or dogma, political partisanship, religious bias, or self-righteousness.
All news is slanted by assumptions about what is real. Our assumptions are too small. Wherever our glance falls – whatever breaks out into public experience – let us review the full range of our humanity. This includes not just social, biological and psychological factors, but moral and spiritual ones. It includes happiness, community, inner life, and spirituality. It includes the gentle virtues such as humility, integrity, generosity, and sensitivity to the real.
Visionary News is part of Visionary Society. With coordinated classes, actions, and invitations, each theme and issue could truly have a widespread effect.
It exposes the regime of the small.
It connects what is underneath to the everyday and action.
– Presents the news of the city as a whole – a place to find the news about what is under the surface.
– Get the public involved in understanding, creating and using this kind of news.
– Sustainability by keeping costs low and finding support from those who want to be engaged with Visionary society.
Stand up for Beautiful Books
Category:
Hold a public meeting to think about what is beautiful culture. Consider staging a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters. Beautiful Books is a counterpart to Banned Books. Instead of selecting works because they had been banned, Beautiful Books has readings, discussion and performances of works that are considered beautiful by members.
We seek only obvious, self-evident principles that anyone would agree to. We invite all to contribute any piece they think meets these principles.
Beautiful Books supports works of art that express the deeper dimensions of our humanity. There is no limit to beauty, in the natural world, or even, potentially, in society. But beauty is adrift, under assault, in need of a friend. Let us be a friend to beauty. Freedom of the expression of ideas is always valid, but we also need to know what is especially worthy of being expressed.
By joining the steps below members can help plan and stage the very first Beautiful Books event. In addition they can use Visionary Society Challenges and Requests to encourage wider participation and awareness. Hopefully this will become an annual occurrence and grow to multiple locations.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters. In addition to public readings and performances, we present Challenges and Requests: a way for individuals and businesses to make significant choices to bring meaningful culture into the world.
(Where can I add the essays I have on this?)
We seek only obvious, self-evident principles that anyone would agree to. We invite all to contribute any piece they think meets these principles.
Beautiful Books supports works of art that express the deeper dimensions of our humanity. There is no limit to beauty, in the natural world, or even, potentially, in society. But beauty is adrift, under assault, in need of a friend. Let us be a friend to beauty. Freedom of the expression of ideas is always valid, but we also need to know what is especially worthy of being expressed.
By joining the steps below members can help plan and stage the very first Beautiful Books event. In addition they can use Visionary Society Challenges and Requests to encourage wider participation and awareness. Hopefully this will become an annual occurrence and grow to multiple locations.
There should be a central location for the event, possibly at the public library. There could also be a gathering in the main city public square, and secondary events in cafes and theaters. In addition to public readings and performances, we present Challenges and Requests: a way for individuals and businesses to make significant choices to bring meaningful culture into the world.
(Where can I add the essays I have on this?)
Our goal is to find out what diminishes and what elevates life. We are asking, provoking, challenging, and offering a practical alternative. Thoughtfulness and meaning can prevail.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Anchorage jobs down 1,100 from May last year
Category:
News about unemployment unconsciously makes assumptions about the importance and the nature of work, because it assumes that work is good. Of course, because of the way society is structured we must earn an income for our very survival. Can't we imagine a world where people work for sheer joy...
Misinterpreted News
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Heart Coffee is a Gem
Category:
I've always been impressed with Heart Coffee Roasters because of its asdkjpapsodijsd fd sda, but I was amazed when I entered the premises last Tuesday: I saw that kasfoij owiej oiwje erow. Kasd ei wijpioj poiwjepfo ijwopijeuhf uefh uhouehf iuhweuih iouehwiouehr iuhwer! Iasdfas de weoijwe –q we qwpoierj wire ieij. Keqiojew weoijv9vh gru e req-eq oirr bio.
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
New Seasons in NW Portland Agrees to Play Local Music
Category:
asdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lfi. asdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lij. asdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lfijasdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lfijasdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lij. asdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lfijasdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lfijasdlkj; laksdfj;f-9ejfwiqfjqowifj as;lij fa;lskdjf a;lskdfjwpofi-dgjheqr9g8uj qeproija;,jvn;lzkxj va;lksdfj a;lskdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfj as;lkdfjs;lfijj
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A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Progress Report Article
Category:
This was an exciting month at Anchorage Visionary Society. We saw many new people get involved, three new Requests, an ambitious new Project, and several Topics with lots...
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Kaladi is not responding to Request
Category:
Six months after the management of Kaladi Brothers was first notfified of this Request and they have not responded in any significant way. The Request page [link] shows a growing number of Supporters of the Request and at least 20 customers and most of the staff are concerned about it...
asdlkfj s;dlfkjas;delft asdflsaj dal;sd
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
Pledge for Soldiers, Police, Security guards, Judges and Lawyers
Category:
A great insight matters little unless and until we bring it into the world
Action is the final and necessary step in Quest. What kind of action? It doesn’t matter much, as long as it is offered publicly and in a way that breaks through pleasantries, addresses the root issue, and creates a climate of affection and reflection.
How it works
• Share the Quest in any public or quasi-public space.
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
• Hand out an Invitation card or pamphlet. Ask them to enter a process of thoughtfulness about an issue that affects the Place they are using. Principles • Any social problem can be resolved at the root level.
• Invitations work by creating awareness. The more people we invite, the more momentum there is.
• It is always possible to reach the heart of the protagonist. Learn more
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