WE are Gorilla

Great pod…and I think many of the other topics in Zaadz are very much related to Ishmael–at it’s deepest level.

I recently re-read “Ishmael” and “The Story of B” and once again fight the urge to ponder ” Yeah, okay so NOW WHAT to do?” ( oops, pondering right now!)

Quinn is often irritatingly famous for his no nonsense answer of “I do not know or pretend to know….We are inventive peoples– so be inventive!” He doesn’t attempt to offer more than his Socratic discussion of what is Now–what is Real and what will happen if we continue on our current path. I thank him for so clearly–and cleverly pointing out the “hole in the dyke” but obviously we need to now work on preventing the ensuing floodwaters.

Perhaps this pod will help to provide ideas and some possible answers to the question his books beg. I would agree with Quinn that there is no ONE answer…the answer is for each of us to discover. Unfortunately “Mother Culture” still nurtures most of us and her lullaby and can be a distraction to finding that quiet voice inside that desires to give us our own answer.

As all here know,one of the more electrifying and engaging issues in Zaadz regards Bri’s discussion with Chris regarding “capitalism”. If we can for the moment forget our preconceived definitions and labels of words I think we will find that a discussion of capitalism is a wonderful start to listening to that quiet voice. For what truly IS modern capitalism but agriculture perverted (redefined?)—Cain’s evolutionary legacy to store and sell more of what people “need”.From obvious perceived “modern civilian” needs like electricity (computers?…eek!!) and running water to REAL needs like food, shelter and clothing–to speak nothing of the non-physical needs of Love, Spirit and living in the Now.

Although I am idealistically drawn to a Luddite life I know that realistically that is not possible for me. Most–if not all modern folks– would agree with me. However it is quick to dismiss the Luddite view as being unrealistic and that it is actually not truly needed to ” go back”.But to take true ownership for that stance places us uncomfortably back in front of capitalism’s door since all “non hunter-gathered” goods and services involves some form of trade, barter or exchange–which at it’s purest, positive definition IS capitalism. So a NEW (evolved?) tribal mindset of lifestyle, resource sharing and a provision for true needs must be where we as individuals start. I don’t think we can do that without addressing a “natural capitalism” (apologies to Paul Hawken) approach.

To specifially address Thea’s pod here “to live in harmony with the earth and all beings” and to attempt to tie in my comments above, I think that a cooperative business/life model is as close to a true “tribal” approach we can do while living in between our modern civilian world and the world we desire and need. Nearly everyone has had some experience with a local food co-op but I would like to suggest ( and it certainly is not new) that all business can be done in a co-op manner. Whereby membership is voluntary and open to all according to their needs and lifestyle as it fits within the co-op. People join to fulfill their needs not the businesses needs. People aren’t “employed” working for a living–they are living by choice and free will to “hunt/gather” as they desire for as long as they desire within their chosen co-op “tribe” or “tribes”. No “top down” approach here…it is all The Middle.All income shared across the co-op.

So is this enough?…No, surely not–but it is a start.Maybe just MY start Daniel. If what is truly needed is a shift in thinking wouldn’t a daily approach to cooperative, communal living and goods/services exchange make us more aligned with our natural world that this concept attempts to mimic? We then become an “Environed free and equal Being” rather than a solitary Being placed in a perceived hostile and “owned’ environment. The latter view of life is what has placed us at conflict with all other life on this planet.

I don’t pretend to believe that a co-op model is Ishmael’s answer but it does allow for free individual expression and an authentic purpose driven life– perhaps it is a place to begin discussion…

WITH GORILLA GONE WILL THERE BE HOPE FOR MAN?

WE are Gorrila.