The Problem With Our World

Look around. So many of us chase money, power, and status — and we pay for it with our humanity. Those above often look down and dominate those below, who go along just to get by or get ahead. Everyone is dehumanized in the process.
 

But another way is possible: a world where people treat one another as equals; where everyone has enough to live well; where safety, dignity, and the freedom to follow one’s dreams are shared. A world where support moves freely from person to person.
 

People Are Already Building It

All around us, countless people are creating a kinder world. They care for each other as well as themselves. They build communities where power flows from the bottom up.
 

To help strengthen these efforts, my associates and I — using emerging AI tools — are collaborating to identify what works and share what we learn. When people learn from one another’s successes, they be more effective together.
 

Real change comes from regular people, not saviors. If we listen deeply to one another, we can often agree on corrective actions. But we need both: better structures and personal growth — outer work and inner work, side by side.
 

What This Asks of Us

We must:

• Look at ourselves honestly

• Admit when we’re wrong

• Listen actively

• Stay open to change

• Help others grow, too

• Serve the community and take political action
   

Small acts of respect can spark lasting change. Tiny ripples can become waves.
 

If enough of us commit to this work, we can build a sustained, grassroots movement for holistic and systemic reform — a movement similar to, but even more effective than, the labor, civil rights, and women’s movements.
 

This book doesn’t propose a blueprint. It offers options. Possibilities. Ways for like-minded people to help grow a bottom-up movement that aligns with our shared values.
 

The need is urgent. We must build a movement strong enough to organize massive nonviolent action when required, win immediate gains, and address root causes — a movement fueled by contagious joy, solidarity, and hope.
 

My Personal Journey

All my life, I’ve pushed against selfishness, greed, war, and injustice. My aims have been steady: to cultivate supportive, egalitarian community — and to live the values I believe in.
 

I haven’t always lived up to them.

I’ve fed my ego without noticing.
Judged too quickly.
Cared too much about approval.
Pushed my ideas when I should have listened.
Reacted defensively when I felt attacked.
Looked down on others for being “too materialistic.”
Refused compromise when compromise was wiser.
 

But I’m learning.
 

When I started earning a decent living driving taxis, I grew to appreciate the comforts of middle-class life. I also came to see that some structure — some authority — is necessary. My ideals remain, but I no longer envision a single sweeping "transformation." Change comes step by step.
 

Life rarely gives "simple answers. When do we speak up? When do we yield? When do we stand firm? We can only do our best — with integrity.
 

My Work and Goals

Across the years, my work has centered on:

• Seeking truth, fairness, and beauty

• Linking personal growth with political change

• Empowering ordinary people

• Countering concentrated power

• Upholding human dignity and equality

• Encouraging compassion

• Flattening hierarchies

• Strengthening freedom and democracy
   

These values have guided my efforts in civil rights, anti-war, educational reform, mental-patients’ rights, public transit, co-ops, cultural projects, and anti-poverty work.
 

From 2004 to 2019, I organized strategy workshops to explore how activists could become more effective. I researched, drafted proposals, conducted interviews, ran surveys, published books for feedback, and learned from experience — including failure.
 

This digital book reflects what I’ve learned so far. My thinking continues to evolve. I welcome your help in improving it.

Our world needs a movement rooted in compassion, equality, joy, and shared power. I offer these essays as a starting point — an invitation, not a final word.
 

Thank you for reading, questioning, offering feedback, and walking beside me.

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