In his timeless work, “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau famously wrote that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” This powerful statement was a critique of the 19th-century industrial society, a world where people often found themselves trapped in monotonous routines, yearning for meaning yet unable to break free…
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…
Are We Really Just Stuck in a “Soul Trap”
More and more, people are accepting the idea that we may be living in a simulation, but this isn’t a new thought at all. Philosophical schools have pondered the idea since the beginning of time. Some have even held the opinion that this reality is a kind of “soul trap”…
How the United States Became the New Weimar Republic
Has hyper-liberalism, irresponsible economic policy, and cabalism led the United States down the same path as post-World War I Germany into an abyss of immorality, poor governance, and economic disaster? The echoes of history are hard to ignore as the initial years of the Weimar Republic looked a lot like…
The Rise and Fall of the Dollar: From Bretton Woods to the Death of the Petrodollar; and Where It Goes from Here
The history of the US dollar as the world’s dominant currency is an interesting story of economic theories, international agreements, and geopolitical maneuvers. From its rise at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944 to its recent decline with the end of the petrodollar era in 2024, the dollar’s journey reflects…
The Neuroscience of Giving: An Exploration of Acts 20:35 and the Altruism Center in the Brain
The biblical principle found in Acts 20:35, “…it is more blessed to give than to receive,” has been a clarion call throughout the centuries inspiring humanity to greater moral and spiritual living. This sentiment, attributed to Jesus, underscores the value of generosity and altruism and is inarguably a good idea…
The Science and Art of Decision Making
Decision making is a somewhat complex process that blends the rigor of science with the nuance of art. This duality makes it an interesting area of study and practice, impacting our daily lives and shaping the outcomes of businesses, governments, and societies. Understanding this interplay between science and art in…
Why Do We Continue With a Clearly Faulty Consumption-Based Economic Model
Over the last hundred years or so, the global economy has largely been driven by a model of ever-increasing consumption – produce more, consume more, make more money so that we can buy and consume more – with a voracious appetite for the biggest, latest and best. And this approach…
Digital Exclusion; how your life would be unlivable if you chose to opt-out of an all-digital world
In a world where everything has gone completely digital, the integration of digital identities, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) overseeing and managing a true “internet of everything”, human existence would be fundamentally changed. This change would permeate every aspect of life, from personal identity and financial…
Intentional Living and Turning Your Neighborhood into an Intentional Community
Intentional living is a lifestyle based on a person’s or group’s conscious decision to live in alignment with their values and beliefs. It can be based on religious, political, ethical, or self-improvement values. Intentional living involves taking responsibility for one’s life and recognizing that we each have the power to shape our own…