Beliefs & Assumptions

The world is awash with ideologies, theologies, dogmas and philosophies. Although some leaders may visualize the society they desire, the multitude of true believers do not comprehend the broad implications of their beliefs. The vision is truncated and only encompasses certain consequences.

This website is about comprehensive visions of the future that arise from certain beliefs. While the emphasis is on the visions, it is important to express the underlying beliefs which serve as the foundation.

A sampling of those beliefs is set forth below. They are not arranged in any conscious order of worth:

Rights and Obligations - Although believing in certain ‘rights’, indelibly associated with rights are ‘obligations’. Democratic rights encompass the obligation to vote. Implementation of the right to a free education necessitates the obligation to learn. The right to private property includes the obligation to protect and enhance the quality and richness of the land. The right to a safe and secure neighborhood assumes the obligation to obey the law and to report observed criminal activity.

Categories – Most of us do not fit easily within the categories into which some wish to divide the people of this world.

God’s Will - The private lives of people should not be governed by a self appointed cadre's view of ‘God’s Will.’

Alternatives - The future must not be controlled by one or a few visions of the desirable future. People must have a variety of options which will respond to their individual needs.

Wilderness - The objective should not be limited to preservation and restoration of a sparse ecology (although perhaps richer than today) that existed at the beginning of the industrial age. Rather we should aim for ecosystems that are reflective of the local ecology over thousands of years and that (1) fully and effectively makes use of extant species and the land’s resources, (2) best represent the richness of life on this planet, (3) preserve endangered species in a natural environment and, in a burst of optimism, (4) provide vibrant ecosystems to seed the climatic variety of now lifeless planets beyond earth.

Cities - The old and historical can have great value that must not be lost to human society. Regarding new development, quality of planning, design and construction, and responsiveness to human needs, trumps the alternative approaches every time. Strive for an evolving and expanding variety in the built environment, not a merging into some bland sameness.

Technological Progress – Research should focus on acquiring a broad spectrum of knowledge that will better enable us to realize a future rich with opportunity for all.

Capitalism or Free Enterprise – The best of an imperfect lot of economic systems whose meaning must not translate as ‘crony capitalism’ nor justify the unregulated rape of the natural environment nor the unfettered exploitation of the poorest among us.

Democracy - Democracy is a key to success in attaining the visions described herein. It is the tool for asserting and putting into effect humane and environmental values of people not part of the power structure.

Space – The permanent expansion of humans into space and ultimately to the stars is our destiny. Let's just hope this destiny is not too delayed!