One problem I heard about communities is that they often START with a purpose, but later END as self-serving institutions.
At the time I was still a christian a pastor once told an interesting story. I don’t know if this is fictional or if it really happened, I’m relating it as I remember. There was a place with a lot of ship accidents and when that happened volunteers had to go to see for rescue. They decided to fund a rescue association so as to be more organized. Over time the association grew and they started to have social events like parties, etc… So it once happened that while they where all partying another ship accident happened, and so another group of volunteers went to help while the association was partying. They founded another rescue association. This cycle repeated itself until there where around 5 or so associations with the same purpose.
Now, the pastor told the story to make a point for the church. From my own experience having been a member of lots of churches it is always the case that they become self-serving and if you think of it, it’s hard to expect otherwise. Humans are just selfish and if you join an association you often ask “what’s in for me?”
So maybe we should just start with a simple plan, like make a rationalist meeting for like-minded people, and then see what we can grow from that. Personally I wouldn’t have too high expectations.
Btw, I live in Rio de Janeiro(Brazil), if anyone is interested to meet in person, send me a message.
One problem I heard about communities is that they often START with a purpose, but later END as self-serving institutions.
At the time I was still a christian a pastor once told an interesting story. I don’t know if this is fictional or if it really happened, I’m relating it as I remember. There was a place with a lot of ship accidents and when that happened volunteers had to go to see for rescue. They decided to fund a rescue association so as to be more organized. Over time the association grew and they started to have social events like parties, etc… So it once happened that while they where all partying another ship accident happened, and so another group of volunteers went to help while the association was partying. They founded another rescue association. This cycle repeated itself until there where around 5 or so associations with the same purpose.
Now, the pastor told the story to make a point for the church. From my own experience having been a member of lots of churches it is always the case that they become self-serving and if you think of it, it’s hard to expect otherwise. Humans are just selfish and if you join an association you often ask “what’s in for me?”
So maybe we should just start with a simple plan, like make a rationalist meeting for like-minded people, and then see what we can grow from that. Personally I wouldn’t have too high expectations.
Btw, I live in Rio de Janeiro(Brazil), if anyone is interested to meet in person, send me a message.