Notes on the Venus Project - Revision history

Marcin: /* Overview */

2019-09-29T19:57:33Z

Overview

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	=Overview=		=Overview=

	[~~http~~://thevenusproject.com\| The Venus Project]is aimed at changing global economics by declaring that all resources are held in common by humanity. It is an attempt move towards a "economy of plenty" that is similar in some ways to the [[Open source ecology community]] idea. They propose to eliminate our current monetary system and replace it with an "economy of resources". The Venus Project seems to think that a global scale is more effective than the village scale envisioned by OSE.		[https://www.thevenusproject.com/\| The Venus Project]is aimed at changing global economics by declaring that all resources are held in common by humanity. It is an attempt move towards a "economy of plenty" that is similar in some ways to the [[Open source ecology community]] idea. They propose to eliminate our current monetary system and replace it with an "economy of resources". The Venus Project seems to think that a global scale is more effective than the village scale envisioned by OSE.

	The notes below examine an essay by Jacque Fresco, principle founder of the Venus Project. It can be found at [http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/a-new-social-design/essay].		The notes below examine an essay by Jacque Fresco, principle founder of the Venus Project. It can be found at [http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/a-new-social-design/essay].

Marcin at 19:56, 29 September 2019

2019-09-29T19:56:31Z

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	{{warn\|Commentary\|The following comments are by [[Mark J Norton]] and may ~~not~~ not represent the views of ~~the Open Source Ecology organization~~.}}		{{warn\|Commentary\|The following comments are indepedent thinking by [[Mark J Norton]], and may or may not represent the views of OSE. For OSE's views, see [[OSE Vision]] and [[OSE Roadmap]] - Marcin}}

	=Overview=		=Overview=

Marcin at 19:54, 29 September 2019

2019-09-29T19:54:31Z

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	{{warn\|Commentary\|The following comments are by [[Mark J Norton]] and do not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.}}		{{warn\|Commentary\|The following comments are by [[Mark J Norton]] and may not not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.}}

	=Overview=		=Overview=

Syk0 saje at 11:27, 4 May 2011

2011-05-04T11:27:02Z

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			{{warn\|Commentary\|The following comments are by [[Mark J Norton]] and do not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.}}

	=Overview=		=Overview=

	[http://thevenusproject.com\| The Venus Project]is aimed at changing global economics by declaring that all resources are held in common by humanity. It is an attempt move towards a "economy of plenty" that is similar in some ways to the [[Open source ecology community]] idea. They propose to eliminate our current monetary system and replace it with an "economy of resources". The Venus Project seems to think that a global scale is more effective than the village scale envisioned by OSE.		[http://thevenusproject.com\| The Venus Project]is aimed at changing global economics by declaring that all resources are held in common by humanity. It is an attempt move towards a "economy of plenty" that is similar in some ways to the [[Open source ecology community]] idea. They propose to eliminate our current monetary system and replace it with an "economy of resources". The Venus Project seems to think that a global scale is more effective than the village scale envisioned by OSE.

	The notes below examine an essay by Jacque Fresco, principle founder of the Venus Project. It can be found at [http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/a-new-social-design/essay].		The notes below examine an essay by Jacque Fresco, principle founder of the Venus Project. It can be found at [http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/a-new-social-design/essay].

	~~'''The following comments are by Mark Norton and do not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.'''~~

	See also the [http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/\| Zeitgeist Movement].		See also the [http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/\| Zeitgeist Movement].
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	My conclusion is that the Venus Project is asking some interesting questions. They are clearly thinking along the same lines as the Open Source Ecology project, though they seem to be exploring a much larger scope. This particular essay lacks any kind of detail on how it's vision might actually be attained or the timescale on which it needs to occur. I think the rejection of a money based economy is a simplistic response to addressing much deeper problems. If a true resource based economy as defined here could be reached, then I agree that money would loose most of its usefulness. However, I do not see a way to get from here to there based on the material presented in this essay.		My conclusion is that the Venus Project is asking some interesting questions. They are clearly thinking along the same lines as the Open Source Ecology project, though they seem to be exploring a much larger scope. This particular essay lacks any kind of detail on how it's vision might actually be attained or the timescale on which it needs to occur. I think the rejection of a money based economy is a simplistic response to addressing much deeper problems. If a true resource based economy as defined here could be reached, then I agree that money would loose most of its usefulness. However, I do not see a way to get from here to there based on the material presented in this essay.

			[[Category: Notes]]

Mjn: added link to zeigeist movement.

2011-04-25T19:01:31Z

added link to zeigeist movement.

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	'''The following comments are by Mark Norton and do not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.'''		'''The following comments are by Mark Norton and do not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.'''

			See also the [http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/\| Zeitgeist Movement].

	=Beyond Utopia=		=Beyond Utopia=

Mjn: /* Overview */

2011-04-25T13:06:49Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 25 April 2011
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	[http://thevenusproject.com\| The Venus Project]is aimed at changing global economics by declaring that all resources are held in common by humanity. It is an attempt move towards a "economy of plenty" that is similar in some ways to the [[Open source ecology community]] idea. They propose to eliminate our current monetary system and replace it with an "economy of resources". The Venus Project seems to think that a global scale is more effective than the village scale envisioned by OSE.		[http://thevenusproject.com\| The Venus Project]is aimed at changing global economics by declaring that all resources are held in common by humanity. It is an attempt move towards a "economy of plenty" that is similar in some ways to the [[Open source ecology community]] idea. They propose to eliminate our current monetary system and replace it with an "economy of resources". The Venus Project seems to think that a global scale is more effective than the village scale envisioned by OSE.

	The notes below examine an essay by Jacque Fresco, principle founder of the Venus Project. It can be found at [http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/a-new-social-design/essay]. The comments are ~~mine (~~Mark Norton) and ~~are~~ not ~~intended to~~ represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.		The notes below examine an essay by Jacque Fresco, principle founder of the Venus Project. It can be found at [http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/a-new-social-design/essay].

			'''The following comments are by Mark Norton and do not represent the views of the Open Source Ecology organization.'''

	=Beyond Utopia=		=Beyond Utopia=

Mjn: Changed caption level.

2011-04-24T23:48:07Z

Changed caption level.

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	I note that the Egyptian Bureaucracy lasted for thousands of years in part because they eliminated the possibility of change. It was quite successful and "survived" a long time. I think by their very nature, social systems change - sooner or later. Whether or not they "allow for change" will not alter the fact that change will happen. It could be stated that societies survive because it's members "react" well to change. Also, the definition of "to improve society as a whole" is subjective.		I note that the Egyptian Bureaucracy lasted for thousands of years in part because they eliminated the possibility of change. It was quite successful and "survived" a long time. I think by their very nature, social systems change - sooner or later. Whether or not they "allow for change" will not alter the fact that change will happen. It could be stated that societies survive because it's members "react" well to change. Also, the definition of "to improve society as a whole" is subjective.

	==New Frontiers of Social Change==		=New Frontiers of Social Change=

	''common crises create common bonds''		''common crises create common bonds''

Mjn: /* The Venus Project */

2011-04-24T23:42:07Z

The Venus Project

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	=The Venus Project=		=The Venus Project=

			''The function of The Venus Project is to design, develop, and prepare plans for the construction of an experimental city based on the -principles outlined above. ''

			Hmm. Are they designing the blueprint mentioned above? One would assume so.

			''In support of this research we are creating blueprints, renderings, and models, holding seminars, producing books, videos, and other written material to introduce people to the aims of The Venus Project. ''

			Much of this consists of very pretty graphics rendered and displayed on their website. Very futuristic and large in scope. This particular essay doesn't go into the details of what is being done on a more concrete basis.

			''The Venus Project will provide the designs and blueprints for a prototype community to test the validity of its social proposals and to establish a permanent planning center that could be used for future short-term and long-term project planning. ''

			I guess it's fair to design the future if you see the vision. I hope they share it widely enough for all to see.

			A new, experimental city is proposed that will pursue these goals. These are compared to OSE goals:

			''1. Conserving all the world's resources as the common heritage of all of the Earth's people.''

			OSE sees resources as defined locally or accessible external to an OSE community. To an extent that is yet to be proven, all the resources you need can be found locally.

			''2. Transcending all of the artificial boundaries that separate people.''

			What is the OSE stance on boundaries? Us vs. them? I'm not sure that boundaries are there.

			''3. Evolving from a monetary-based economy to a resource-based world economy.''

			Evolve from a money-based economy to a system in which a community can provide for itself by growing or making the things it needs.

			''4. Reclaiming and restoring the natural environment to the best of our ability.''

			In agreement.

			''5. Redesigning our cities, transportation systems, and agricultural and industrial plants so that they are energy efficient, clean, and conveniently serve the needs of all people.''

			General agreement, except on the scope of the community.

			''6. Evolving towards a cybernated society that can gradually outgrow the need for all political local, national, and supra-national governments as a means of social management.''

			I think OSE sees cybernetics as a means to an end, but perhaps a different end than The Venus Project. Computers are a tool that frees people up from labor, which the Venus Project agrees with, if not in the specific applications.

			''7. Sharing and applying all of the new technologies for the benefit of all nations.''

			Agreed. OSE believes in sharing through open source principles. However, one big difference, is that OSE has concrete technologies that are actively being worked on, while the Venus Project seems to expect a new technology to come along.

			''8. Using clean, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal power, etc.''

			Agreed. OSE sees these in a pragmatic way. Alternative energy sources are more likely to be practical in a local setting.

			''9. Ultimately utilizing the highest quality products for the benefit of all the world's people.''

			Agreed. Quality is important to OSE. Continuous improvement as well.

			''10. Requiring environmental impact studies prior to construction of any mega-projects.''

			Hmm. No mention of this in OSE plans. Local plans lead to local responsibility. Permaculture principles also apply here.

			''11. Encouraging the widest range of creativity and incentive toward constructive endeavor.''

			Agreed. Creativity is essential.

			''12. Assisting in stabilizing the world's population through education and voluntary birth-control to conform to the carrying capacity of the earth.''

			Not quite sure what the OSE stance on this is. It's part of the participant questionnaire, so obviously relevant. I think that OSE technology will help to balance local carrying capacity and thus stabilize local population.

			''13. Outgrowing nationalism, bigotry and prejudice through education.''

			Such things have no place when welding pieces of metal together.

			''14. Eliminating any type of elitism, technical or otherwise.''

			Hmm. Does OSE have a technical elite?

			''15. Arriving at methodologies by careful research rather than random opinions.''

			Agreed, but OSE takes that a step further by prototyping it's beliefs and using what is learned to improve on designs.

			''16. Enhancing communication in the new schools so that our language and education is relevant to the physical conditions of the world around us.''

			I don't think OSE has gotten to the point of thinking about education for children.

			''17. Providing not only the necessities of life but also offering challenges that stimulate the mind, emphasizing individuality rather than uniformity.''

			OSE agrees with this.

			''18. Finally, preparing people intellectually and emotionally for the possible changes that lie ahead.''

			Agreed.

			=Conclusions=

			My conclusion is that the Venus Project is asking some interesting questions. They are clearly thinking along the same lines as the Open Source Ecology project, though they seem to be exploring a much larger scope. This particular essay lacks any kind of detail on how it's vision might actually be attained or the timescale on which it needs to occur. I think the rejection of a money based economy is a simplistic response to addressing much deeper problems. If a true resource based economy as defined here could be reached, then I agree that money would loose most of its usefulness. However, I do not see a way to get from here to there based on the material presented in this essay.

Mjn: /* The Human Aspect */

2011-04-24T23:19:00Z

The Human Aspect

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	=The Human Aspect=		=The Human Aspect=

			''In today's society, there is much concern about the dissolution of the conventional core family structure, and the societal values associated with it. ''

			I am concerned about this as well. I think our society has eroded the core values that come from loving families. We did our best to counter those tendencies and now that our children are grown, we can step back a bit and see how they will apply what we tried to show them.

			''Parents lack adequate time to spend with their children, and they are constantly stressed by ever-rising medical bills, insurance payments, educational expenses, and the high cost of living. ''

			Yes, those stresses are there and quite real. I personally never let that get in the way of having time to spend time with my children.

			''The fear of uniform behavior in a cybernated resource-based economy of the future is unfounded. ''

			Oh, I agree with that. People will always be different.

			''The only uniformity one would find would be a concern for the environment and the importance of extending maximum courtesy to all nations and to one another. ''

			It is to be hoped for, but not expected. Sadly.

			''Additionally, everyone, regardless of race, color, or creed would have equal access to all of the amenities that this highly productive culture could supply.''

			What about criminals? Would they still exist in this perfect world? Would they have the same access to goods and services? What if they use them to try and damage society? Who will decide these things?

			''In more advanced and humane systems of education people would acquire this new type of value system.''

			They could. I stated earlier that education is essential towards changing shared values.

			''They would also realize the many advantages of cooperation rather than competition. ''

			Maybe. I don't think we've determined how in-grained competition is in our genetic makeup. What if such competition is indeed hardwired into our makeup?

			''A resource-based economy by definition includes the participation of all people in its benefits. ''

			Well, Mr. Fresco has defined it to be that way, but I have my doubts.

			''Without vested interests or the use of money, there is no benefit to squelching one's opinion or falsifying information or taking advantage of anyone. ''

			I'm not sure a vested interest is required. Mean people do exist and I think they will in the resource based economy as well. Maybe it's something that will die out over time.

	=The Venus Project=		=The Venus Project=

Mjn: /* Motiviation, Encentive, and Creativity */

2011-04-24T23:06:39Z

Motiviation, Encentive, and Creativity

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 Where would those people be employed?  What would they do with their time?  Some of these concepts have been explored in Science Fiction writing.
-=Motiviation, Encentive, and Creativity=
+=Motivation, Incentive, and Creativity=
 =The Human Aspect=
 =The Venus Project=