> possessing supreme or ultimate power: in modern democracies the people's will is in theory sovereign.

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49667480

Points: 3

# Comments: 0

Plenty to consider there

As for how it feels at the time. There's a lot of truth in the sayings "time flies when you're having fun" and "a watched pot never boils".

It's a paradox.

Anyhow, all else being equal, so long as I am living in a transactional society, I prefer those transactions to be with people I actually know. I like real relationships. So much of the way we are changing as a society seems to be alienating us from each other - I make a point of trying to counter that in my daily life.

I feel for these kids. That time finding my own way home as a child was precious to me. It was my time. I was responsible for myself. I imagine you don't get a lot of that sort of time as a young child anymore. It's incredibly valuable - an opportunity to take and learn about risks (groups of young kids are actually really good at looking out for each other). A little chance each day to discover a bit of what the real world is about. A chance to be a member of your community on your own terms (dropping into shops along the way, putting a few coins in the arcade machine, greeting people you'd see regularly, etc).

I don't think that's the case here.

There are a wide range of alternatives out there, from multigenerational households to ‘intentional’ communities of over 1000 people. Some of the larger examples include urban communities like Christiania in Amsterdam or Hunziker Areal in Zurich and of course the more traditional rural communes - often founded during the counter-culture revolution of the late 60s and 70s. Most examples that I’m aware of have some kind of ‘intention’ other than simply existing. Things like low energy use (e.g. so called 2000 watt societies like Hunziker Areal), shared religious or spiritual beliefs, or some other foundational principals like concern for the environment. Another thing that a lot of these communities often share is some kind of enterprise. Some examples I’m personally familiar with are orchards, bee products, and fur products (all rural examples).

There are so many ways that these communities can work and probably even more ways that they can fail. A few problems I’ve seen are a failing joint enterprise without a successful pivot to something else, the issue of moving beyond the founding generation (e.g. the land becoming valuable leading to a reticence to bring in new members and dilute the early member’s ‘wealth’), and intense personal politics (ironic given that people are often attracted by the possibility of leaving the rat race and mainstream politics).

I’ve been lucky enough to experience living in lots of different arrangements. A ‘hippy’ commune and then a marae (traditional māori community in NZ) as a child. The typical nuclear family situation. Multigenerational family living. With a couple of housemates. With a dozen housemates. Alone. With a partner. On a large urban property with three dwellings and shared gardens.

All have had their advantages and disadvantages, and I often think about what might be my ideal. I like my private space. I don’t like strict ideology. I like sitting down to dinner with a lot of people, cooking for and with others, sharing projects (without too much obligation!), sharing resources (like a workshop), having a safe space for young children to roam together, the list goes on… I’m really curious about other people’s experiences. Have you lived in some kind of alternative communal arrangement? Do you live near one? What have you seen work? What doesn’t?

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49395758

Points: 1

# Comments: 1

Our personal morality has been corrupted by convenience and commerce. Too many people think that if something is legal, possible, and affordable, then why not? No room for consideration of others. Quite simply (and please excuse the strong language) we have become a bunch of selfish fucks. But because it's now the norm to be a selfish fuck then that makes it okay, right?

I've always admired the approach of my grandparents. Practical, economical, and able to enjoy doing the simple things that are actually necessary for living a good life. Sadly, that generation is passing. What are our grandchildren going to think of us?