Throughout history, societies have experienced numerous economic collapses and systemic breakdowns, some of which left governments and monetary systems in disarray. In such times, communities often turned to alternative economies – bartering, mutual aid networks, local currencies, time co-ops and time banks, etc. – to sustain themselves when conventional markets…
Category: Finance and Economy
Exploring everything financial and alternative finance
Exploring the Many Facets of Wealth Beyond Money
When we hear the word “wealth,” our minds often jump to thoughts of money, investments, and material possessions. This form of wealth is universally recognized and celebrated as a symbol of success and security. For many, it represents a dream to chase, a goal to achieve, and a state of…
Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game; Insights into the Hustle Economy and the End of the Middle Class
The “hustle economy” refers to a labor market characterized by people working multiple jobs, gigs, or side hustles, often independently or on a freelance basis, to earn a living or supplement their primary income. It’s driven by the rise of digital platforms (like Uber, Fiverr, or Etsy) that connect workers…
The Access Economy and the Future of Ownership
The access economy, also known as the sharing economy or renter economy, may represent a fundamental shift in how goods and services are consumed. In this economic and social model, individuals would rent or subscribe to access rather than purchasing items outright. This change would be a radical departure from…
The Road Not Taken: A Story of Another Path
In a “would-be” world not unlike our own, a different century unfolded from 1910 onward. Instead of the relentless march toward mass industrialization, digital revolution, and urban sprawl, humanity chose another road – one less traveled, guided by principles of sustainability, simplicity, and community. By 1910, the world had already…
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: The Urgent Need for Strategic Foresight in an Uncertain World
The saying; “those who fail to plan, plan to fail” has never been more relevant. As we move toward increasing political chaos in Western nations and as we walk the razor’s edge of world war 3 and a meta-crisis – the likes of which humanity has never seen – failing…
Co-Production: A Value-Driven Approach to Collaboration
“when we work together for the benefit of all, we achieve so much more than when we work individually for nothing but our own benefit” In today’s fast-paced and increasingly interconnected world, the traditional models of service delivery are often being challenged by innovative and more inclusive approaches. One such…
Human Commitment to Self-Sabotage: A Game Theory Perspective on Social Behavior
“when we are unconsciously committed to our own failure, getting ahead in life is impossible…but this tendency to self-sabotage can be changed.” The idea that people are hopelessly committed to their own suffering, self-sabotage, and ultimately, their own destruction is an interesting one that has been explored throughout history in…
Net-Giving: A Vision for a Surplus Society
“if everyone focused on giving rather than taking, on others rather than themselves, many of the problems in today’s society would just melt away” Imagine a world where the primary goal of each person within a community is not to accumulate wealth or to take as much as they can…
Social and Solidarity Economies (SSE): A Path to Inclusive and Sustainable Development
“It only takes one strong person in each community to begin something that can change the world. Are you that person?” The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) represents a transformative approach to economic activities and relationships, prioritizing social and environmental objectives over profit motives. At its core, SSE involves collective…