We wouldn't have to be a completely self sufficient economy for it to be of great benefit. This forum is already an exchange of information, the currency is reciprocity. I'm just suggesting expanding this exchange to include whatever service or resources the members can provide. I would be glad to provide my skills in exchange for some personal development currency or maybe just as a gift of reciprocity. As more people join, the PD exchange will be more useful. The more I can buy with PD currency, the less need I have for national money. Yes, we'll still have to pay property taxes... unless enough people organize a mass refusal.
Let's take the Internet example to illustrate... Initially some ISPs would join. They will have to charge some national currency to their customers, but if they can buy their necessities using PD money they would only have to charge enough national currency to pay for the service. Profits could be made in PD money. The more services available in the PD exchange, the less national currency we need to make.
The ISP owners must decide what to do with their profits. That's where the power of the personal development group comes in. A member of this group would invest their profits in making the world a more compassionate, peaceful, sustainable and joyful place to live.
The success and value of the exchange will depend on the people who participate. The question to ask is do you want to invest in a system that promotes competition and scarcity or in a system that promotes personal development and abundance for all? Which system is better? Let's find out.  |