Mutual aid

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How to change society in just a few handshakes | Andrei Lubalin | TEDxPodgorica
TEDx Talks· 2025-06-23 15:45
Core Idea: Social Re-engineering & Decentralized Cooperation - The report introduces a solution called "digital social innovation exodus" aimed at transforming hierarchical social structures into decentralized, mutual aid-based systems [4] - It emphasizes using an engineering approach, focusing on connections and interests, to address social problems without emotional bias [3] - The core innovation is a simple tool (described as an open-source "notebook") to illuminate existing social connections and facilitate cooperation [14][15] Key Principles & Examples of Self-Organization - Voluntary self-organization is crucial, contrasting with forced or hierarchical systems [6] - The report cites historical examples like the Montenegrin tradition of mutual assistance, the Jewish tradition of "avad," and a Chinese mutual aid platform (shut down by the government) as models [5][7][8] - These examples highlight the benefits of mutual assistance, such as increased security and sufficiency [7] Technology's Role & Limitations - Technology should serve existing social processes, not dictate them [9] - The idea that currency alone can bring prosperity is dismissed as ignorance; currency facilitates exchange, but doesn't create the underlying social dynamics [10] - The focus is on using technology to scale the benefits of existing self-organization methods [10] Network Structure & Potential - The system formalizes real relationships in a social graph, extending connections through six degrees of separation [16][17] - Initial participation of 50 friends can rapidly expand the network, potentially reaching 127,000 on the third handshake and 6.38 million on the fourth [18] - A fully connected graph could lead to 50.8 quadrillion potential cooperation connections [19] Functionality & Benefits - The system provides emergency mutual aid, regular support, crowdfunding initiatives, and direct cooperation through AI [21] - Participants can notify the network of needs, and others can voluntarily offer assistance [20] - AI can facilitate connections within the network, matching needs with individuals who have a reputation for helping others [22] Decentralization & Inevitability - The system is designed to be self-regulated and trustless [23] - The report claims a breakthrough law in graph theory suggests that organizing in this way will lead to an autocatalytic and inevitable emergence of a global social environment [24] - Direct cooperation within the network could reduce the need for fiat money, potentially leading to a "point npak" (inversion) where fiat money disappears [24]
Why rest is a right, not a ‘luxury’ | Jotina Buck | TEDxThird Ward
TEDx Talks· 2025-06-19 17:00
Please welcome Jotina [Applause] Buck. I'm sitting in my car in my garage and for a solid 30 minutes I don't move. You know that moment when you pull into the garage after a long day of work and instead of getting out, you just sit there.Yeah, that's me. This car has basically become my office. The last little pocket of alone time before stepping into everything else that demands my attention.the bills, emails, people, life, you know, those things. And in this moment, I am beyond exhausted. And this is not ...