Three sacred cows

1. Currency is More Than Money

Why People Are Sensitive to This: Currency, for many, is synonymous with money—a tangible representation of value and wealth. This perception is deeply ingrained in societal norms and individual belief systems, making it challenging for people to see currency beyond its traditional monetary form. The sensitivity arises from the fear of destabilizing the familiar economic structures that people rely on for survival and success.

Myths of the former paradigm:

Myth of Scarcity: The belief that resources are limited, and thus, money is the primary means to secure one’s share.

Myth of Value: The idea that monetary wealth is the ultimate measure of success, value, and security in life.

Myth of Tangibility: The belief that value can only be represented and exchanged through physical or tangible means, such as coins, notes, or digital numbers in a bank account. This myth supports the idea that intangible forms of value, such as trust, reputation, or community bonds, cannot be quantified or exchanged like money.

Emerging Truth: The reality is that intangible forms of value are increasingly recognized and exchanged through innovative currency systems. Social currencies, time banks, and other alternative currency models demonstrate that trust, care, and community engagement can be quantified, exchanged, and nurtured, contributing to the richness of human experience and collective well-being.

New Truth: Currency, in its essence, is a medium for expressing and exchanging value, and this value extends far beyond financial transactions. It encompasses social, ecological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions—each contributing to the holistic well-being of individuals and communities. In recognizing currency as a tool for nurturing these diverse forms of value, we can foster more equitable, sustainable, and thriving societies.

2. Information Age Economies are Different Than Industrial Age Economies

Why People Are Sensitive to This:

The transition from Industrial Age to Information Age economies represents a paradigm shift in how value is created, exchanged, and perceived. This shift challenges the traditional economic models that have shaped societies for centuries, causing apprehension about the stability of future livelihoods and the relevance of existing skills and industries.

Myths of the former paradigm:

Myth of Linear Progress: The belief that economic development follows a linear trajectory, with industrialization as the pinnacle of progress.

Myth of Centralization: The idea that centralized control and mass production are the most efficient ways to manage resources and create value.

Myth of Infinite Growth: The belief that economic growth can and should continue indefinitely, driven by constant industrial expansion and consumption of natural resources. This myth underpins the Industrial Age economy’s disregard for ecological limits and the sustainability of growth.

Emerging Truth: Information Age economies challenge the myth of infinite growth by emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, knowledge sharing, and innovation that respects ecological boundaries. They highlight the potential for economic systems to evolve in ways that balance human aspirations with the planet’s capacity, fostering a circular economy where growth is qualitative rather than purely quantitative.

New Truth: Information Age economies are characterized by decentralized networks, digital innovation, and the knowledge-based creation of value. They prioritize adaptability, collaboration, and the flow of information, enabling more dynamic and responsive economic systems. In embracing these principles, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities for creativity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

3. The Objective Scientific Paradigms studies the dead. Systems are Alive

Where Objective Science Gets Stuck

Why People Are Sensitive to This: Objective science, particularly in its traditional objective form, has been revered as the ultimate authority on understanding the world. The suggestion that science might be limited in its ability to comprehend the complexities of living systems challenges deeply held beliefs about knowledge, truth, and the nature of reality.

Myths of the former paradigm:

Myth of Objectivity: The belief that objective, empirical science can provide absolute truths about the world.

Myth of Separation: The idea that humans can, and should, study the world as detached observers, separate from the systems they are analyzing.

Myth of Reductionism: The belief that complex phenomena can always be understood by breaking them down into their simplest components. This myth supports the approach of studying isolated parts of a system in the hope of understanding the whole, often overlooking the emergent properties and interconnections that define living systems.

New Truth: Living systems, including social and ecological systems, are dynamic, interconnected, and constantly evolving. Understanding these systems requires a paradigm that embraces complexity, interdependence, and the inherent uncertainty of living processes. Systems thinking offers a framework for navigating the flow of reality, recognizing that we are part of the systems we study and that our interactions with these systems shape our shared future. By integrating systems paradigms with scientific inquiry, we can better address the multifaceted challenges of our time and co-create a more resilient and flourishing world.

Emerging Truth: Systems thinking and the paradigm of living systems recognize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Emergent properties, feedback loops, and non-linear interactions are fundamental to understanding the complexity of living systems. By embracing a holistic view, we can better comprehend the intricacies of ecological and social systems, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions to global challenges

Ideas to integrate

Money is a tool of control

All currencies shape behavior

Shift economics for liberation

1. Currency is More Than Money

2. Information Age Economies are Different Than Industrial Age Economies

3. The Objective Scientific Paradigms studies the dead. Systems are Alive

Ideas to integrate

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