Is an Altruistic Society just a Utopian Fantasy?

A Utopian Society may seem far indeed from the automated consumer society which delegates decisions to the 'invisible hand' of the capitalist market. Few would suggest that their society is gradually evolving in that direction. We see people's righteous frustration with the current development path is a sign of momentum for change.

The last generation has seen increasing inequality within almost all societies across the world - paralleling the increasing inequality between world societies. Big media concerns continue to try to suggest that the 'trickle down effect' will mean, eventually, that everyone gets wealthier. However, social justice campaigners worldwide are unimpressed, and as grassroots poverty increases, so too does grassroots pressure for change.

We suggest that the greatest single obstacle to an altruistic society is our ancient money system - because rewarding self-accumulation, not generosity, and is one of the major oppressors that is hindering a global change of mentality from scarcity to abundance. Money is an unworthy subject of much time and attention, so we can expect progress from a system (such as altruistic economics) that focuses attention instead on human relationships. As people overcome their inner fear of not being provided for and start to look outwards and to help others in turn, we can expect to witness a great change in the world. The hard work of millions has turned science fiction into science fact and made possible technology that was previously only dreamed of. We believe that it is also worth working to achieve the altruistic society that has been the hope throughout the centuries of authors, philosophers and wise men.

A society based on altruism might seem like a utopian dream in this age when many societies are becoming more and more focussed on individuals while basic social units such as the family are declining in significance. However, we believe that this is an ordeal we must undergo - that for some people it has to get worse before it gets better - to convince them of the importance of living in a caring community. The self-reinforcing nature of social cycles means that a change of direction is now of great urgency, lest the social fabric get damaged any more than is necessary. It is high time to start thinking altruistically, working together to heal the world.

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Adbusters www.adbusters.org	A not-for-profit, reader-supported, magazine and website concerned about the erosion of our physical and cultural environments by commercial forces. Contains humorous, satirical and philosophical articles and runs campaigns such as TV Turnoff Week.
Global Ideas Bank www.globalideasbank.org	Submission site for new socially productive non-technological ideas and projects. Run by the not-for-profit Institute for Social Inventions.
John Templeton Foundation www.templeton.org	Grant-giving body that aims to promote the world's spiritual growth through funding inter disciplinary research focussing on the moral and spiritual dimensions of life.
Human Café www.humancafe.com	A set of forums to discuss the 'evolution of human consciousness'. The author, a businessman turned philosopher is author of Habeas Mentem, a thought-provoking philosophical essay on spirituality and emergent social forms based on agreement.
A point of view andycox1953.webs.com	This essay looks at how altruism, communism, atheism, and non-survivalism interrelate
Full Circle Family www.FullCircleFamily.blogspot.com	Dedicated to the demonstration of God's Economy: an economy based on holding all things common, total sharing as spiritually-based way of life that fosters emotional, physical and spiritual well-being/health. Removes the cause of poverty, crime, war.
Good World Movement goodworld.lightnet.co.uk	Small set of pages that outline a positive future for humankind is possible, suggesting ideas such as the interconnectedness of all things and a citizen's income.

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