I have thought for some time about communal living. Where each person doesn't need much and the wealth of the community is shared. With enough people willing to work communal for three to four hours each day, there would be enough for everyone to live green and sustainable lives. Living in buildings where plants are growing in every room and huge fields are not required. Where everyone receives rank and advancement based upon their skills and contributions. We don't need lives that completely revolve around plastics, petroleum, and ceaseless consumption. That model is not sustainable and very few are able to make it to the top and enjoy all the luxuries. Life on the top is lonley and not very fufilling.
What really makes me happy is when I have good people around me and work to be done. Few things in life are more pleasant than making grape jelly with friends. No electronics required for distraction. Everyone working toward a shared goal. That feeling of accomplishment of a job well done, and nothing tastes better on toast than jelly you made yourself. Maybe it is just some hippie dream but I would like to live, work, and use my skills for something good rather than just add to the mass consumerism of today.
I agree! I did a study when at Sonoma State studying Energy Management, about modern communes. There's some distinct advantages to communal living. I did ask an artist group how they made decisions that affected everyone once, and was told that it was by consensus. When I asked how did that work for them, one member wryly said, "rule by exhaustion, The last person standing while arguing about something, Wins"! (lol) :-)
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