I feel confident on an island with Steven and X and Solon and Thames and and James and Cosmic
I had to ask myself, Karen: How would this life be different than what we already have in the U.S., Canada, G.B., and other civilized countries? The answer came clear: It would simply be more CIVIL..ized--by virtue of being hand-picked.
We would not need any police; we are not criminals. We would not need jails. Such small possessions as we might have could safely be left in the open.
I doubt if anyone would find it necessary to formally set out rules. After all, mature people can speak to their boundaries and their principles; and they can have full confidence that other mature people will respect those boundaries. However, if we did formally agree on certain rules of behaviour, we would not pretend that they came from somewhere else. Our desire for the goodwill and the regard of our companions would motivate an ethic of generosity, benevolence, tolerance, compassion, and cooperation. These are the behaviours which most benefit an individual in community.
I would live alone--as I believe that independence and self reliance are beneficial qualities. But I would probably visit at least one of my companions on a daily basis, for the fulfillment and meaning that comes from interaction and engagement.
All would be teachers and all would be students. Having long since outgrown the foolish illusion that control (the conquering of fear and doubt) meant power OVER others--we could delight in the individuality of each--knowing the oddities were neither right nor wrong. None would attempt to control others by threats of terror or by appeals to retribution from a supernatural agency. If someone did start losing their mind (their reason), we would first ensure safety, and then we would do what was possible to alleviate the affliction, provided the person wished to be helped... |
