Editing Resource-Based Economic Model

{{#seo: title=The Crowdsourced Resource-Based Economic Model Knowledgebase | titlemode= append | keywords=tzm,tvp,rbem,rbe,rbe10k,wiki,tzmwiki,knowledgebase,resource based economy,the zeitgeist movement,the venus project | 
  description=The Resource-Based Economy Knowledgebase is the tool of choice for crowdsourcing definitions, notions and all types of information relevant for the implementation of a Resource-Based Economy, or as a great tool for activists of The Zeitgeist Movement and The Venus Project to document their organisational processes and projects. }}
A '''Resource-Based Economic Model''' (RBEM), or ''Resource-Based Economy'' (RBE), is a [[w:Social engineer|social engineering]] system that cannot be understood by analysing the words "Resource", "-Based" or "Economy" alone or in combination between them. RBEM is a ''label'' applicable to a group of beliefs, preferences, values and principles, and which has been documented in books, blogs, films and interviews by different people and in different ways. It has been deemed to be an entirely novel concept, and therefore not being able to be defined by any pre-existing ideologies or -isms.<br><br>

== In short... ==
According to [[The Venus Project]], it is a "''holistic socio-economic system in which all goods and services are available without the use of money''".<ref name="tvp-rbe"/>

According to [[The Zeitgeist Movement]], it is "''is about taking a direct technical approach to social management as opposed to a Monetary or even Political one''".<ref name="tzm-mission">[http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/mission-statement The Zeitgeist Movment's Mission Statement]</ref>

It has been also widely regarded as "''the application of the [[w:Scientific Method|scientific method]] for social concern''"<ref>[http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/faq#faq1 The Zeitgeist Movement FAQ#1]</ref><ref>[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Zeitgeist_movement Open Source Ecology Wiki: The Zeitgeist Movement page]</ref><ref>[http://sharewiki.org/en/Venus_Project ShareWiki: The Venus Project page]</ref><ref>[http://safe-growth.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/venus-project.html Safe-Growth blog about The Venus Project]</ref><ref>[http://activerain.com/blogsview/1453187/the-left-right-political-paradigm-in-simplicity ActiveRain blog: The Left/Right Political Paradigm in Simplicity]</ref><ref>[http://forum.v-radio.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=168 V-Radio forum: A response to a student about perfect societies]</ref><ref>[http://thespaceadvocate.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/scientific-method-in-practice.html The Peace Advocate blog: The Scientific Method in Practice]</ref>, and therefore, [[w:Social_engineer|social engineering]].

== Reasoning behind the need to transition toward a Resource-Based Economic Model ==
Although this knowledgebase is not concerned with dealing with the perceived problems of the current system, there are some key concerns that are notable for its objectivity and criticality.{{Vague}}

=== Continuous Growth in a Finite Planet ===
The basic common denominator mission of movements and projects of the likes of [[The Zeitgeist Movement]], [[The Venus Project]], [[The Free World Charter]], [[The RBE10K Project]], is to prevent the collapses of Human society and of Earth's natural environment as we have known it since the beginnings of Human History, as a result from continuous growth in a finite planet.

In the Natural world continuous growth always reaches a point of saturation, usually followed by a collapse. An example of this phenomenon is a malign tumor, which grows without stopping until it interferes so drastically with the metabolism of the organism of its host, that ends up causing the death of its hostand consequently its own death too. Another example are buffalo herds in Africa, which tend to grow in numbers until the savannahs they live on cannot sustain them any more, prompting individuals to starve, sometimes even causing mass famine and death.

=== Exponential trends ===
Naturally, once learned that continuous growth is impossible, many people feel motivated to prevent the possibility of Humanity's collapse, as they understand that business as usuall would do little or nothing to prevent such collapse. Examples of current exponential trends within the last 200 years are:
* population growth{{Cn}}
* deforestation{{Cn}}
* carbonisation of the atmosphere{{Cn}}
* rise in average temperatures{{Cn}}
* acidification of oceans{{Cn}}
* loss of habitat and species diversity{{Cn}}
* collapse of fisheries{{Cn}}
* depletion of petroleum reserves{{Cn}}
* loss or salinisation of topsoil{{Cn}}
* exhaustion of nutrients in crop land{{Cn}}
* risk of a pandemic{{Cn}}
* risk of a devastating world war{{Cn}}
With these and many other trends that appear to be exponential, a telltale signature of continuous growth, it is not difficult to conclude that our species is accelerating toward a catastrophic end, and with it, many other species as well.

=== Sustainability ===
The heart of the solution to continuous growth is [[Sustainability]], and unlike the many organisations that that promote Sustainability as an important issue where we have to make progress being ''less wasteful'' and achieve harmony with the environment ''someday somehow'', all of the projects and movements which promote a [[Resource-Based Economic Model]] consider that Sustainability is paramount, is the only way our species has any chances of survival in the long term and past the next couple of generations, and that it is critical that we globally adopt systems and behaviours to ensure Sustainability with the highest degree of importance, and as a matter of non-negotiable top priority.

=== The Resource-Based Economic Model proposed as a solution ===
The social engineer and inventor [[w:Wikipedia:Jacque Fresco|Jacque Fresco]] coined a group of social and economic guidelines with the name of [[Resource-Based Economic Model]], or now also known as ''Resource-Based Economic Model'', or simply '''''RBE''''' or '''''RBEM''''. These social and economic guidelines cannot be derived from the meaning of the words ''Resource-Based Economic Model'', so the name must be thought of just as alabel or an identifier, very loosely related to the actual concept.

Although there has not been as yet any formal and accurate description of a ''Resource-Based Economic Model'', there are a number of premises that appear to be loosely agreed by all those who actively support the idea of an RBEM:
# Every action or endeavour Humanity takes must be sustainable, i.e. must ensure the feasibility of an age-long continuity of such action or endeavour
# Technology must be expanded and used in any and all areas in which it can be used to allow for, or increase efficiency of, a capacity for full freedom for any and every person, provided that Sustainability is maintained
# There is not recognition or protection of any individual's claims to physical or intellectual property

From those understandings, a great deal of principles and values can be derived, such as the replacement of authority with systems, the equality of all people on Earth, physical and psychological health becoming a top social concern, property becoming an obsolete notion, etc.

== Notable definitions ==

=== Definitions by Jacque Fresco and The Venus Project ===
{{Main | Resource-Based Economy notions by The Venus Project}}
The concept was developed by [[Jacque Fresco]] and explained most extensively in his book ''The Best that Money Can't Buy''<ref name="tvp-the-best-book">{{cite book |title=The Best that Money Can't Buy: Beyond Politics, Poverty & War |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=JhzxAAAAMAAJ |accessdate=2009-03-26 |year=(2002) |publisher=Global Cyber-Visions |location=Venus, Fla. |isbn=0-9648806-7-9 |oclc=49931422}}</ref>, in which he describes various notions of a RBE. [http://www.thevenusproject.com/ The Venus Project's website] also has abundant material with notions about meaning and workings of RBE.

=== Definitions by Peter Joseph from The Zeitgeist Movement ===
{{Main|Resource-Based Economic Model notions by The Zeitgeist Movement}}
The documentarist [[Peter Joseph]] met Jacque Fresco in Fresco's research centre in Venus, Florida, while he was producing his second film, [[Zeitgeist: Addendum]]. Peter Joseph has stated{{Cn}} that he realised that the notion of a Resource-Based Economic Model was what was missing in his film, and added it in the end, giving rise to The Zeitgeist Movement. In his film, and particularly in the third film in the trilogy, [[Zeitgeist Moving Forward]], Peter presented his vision of a Resource-Based Economic Model product of conversations with Fresco, and notions of a RBE in Fresco's books.{{POV-statement}}

Peter has explained notions of a Resource-Based Economic Model extensively in his radio shows{{Vague}}{{Examples}} and through the Activists' Guide film and supporting documentation.{{Cn}}

=== Definitions by Harald Sando from TheResourcebasedEconomy.com ===

{{Main|Humanistic RBE}}
[http://www.theresourcebasedeconomy.com Harald Sando] expanded the RBE Model with some more humanistic and social aspects which seem missing in the TVP and TZM more technocratic focused aim for sustainable living. His main description says:

:“A resource-based economy is a society without money, barter or trade, with the awareness that Humanity is One family and where technology, science and spirituality is used to it’s fullest to develop and manage the planet’s resources to provide abundance for everyone in the most sustainable way.” 

and further proposes a continual emergence of a system of self imposed management of human and natural resources both locally and globally where the following happens:

*money is replaced by gratitude
*trading is replaced by sharing and
*ownership is replaced by usership

in a way where everyone’s needs are met.

== Crowdsourced definition ==
From the multiple subjective interpretations spawning from examples, comments, notes, guides, and videos by, or interviews to, Jacque Fresco and Peter Joseph, this wiki promotes the consensus on a well defined, specific, clear definition of a Resource-Based Economic Model resulting from the general discussion and input that can be expected in a RBEM for all kinds of general knoledge and policy making: ''[[w:Crowdsourcing|crowdsourcing]]''. The following is an initial template which is intended to grow as a result of the input of all parties interested or involved, open to any comments and concerns, and ultimately becoming the most trusted referent for meanings and general notions of everything RBEM. From this perspective, RBEM collapses here and from here it is that it gives rise to the real thing.

=== Definitions ===
Population: ''People living in RBEM cities''<br>
RBEM system: ''Network of RBEM cities and population''<br>
Environment: ''ecosystems of the world, especially those which harbour unique life diversity, or humans living outside the RBEM system''<br>
Values: ''One's judgement of what is important in life''<br>
Principles: ''Fundamental propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour, or for a chain of reasoning''<br>
Offence: ''Behaviour that does not abide the principles and values of RBEM''<br>
Personal belongings: ''Items of emotional value that can be held by their owner''<br>

=== Values in an RBEM system ===
{{POV-section}}
From the definitions above, values are one's judgement of what is important in life. The following are ''all'' the ''core'' values expected to be abided by the great majority of the population of the first city, and a reference for all the cities that would follow.
Note that Freedom and liberty are intentionally left out as their meanings are too controversial, vague and confusing.
* Human life
* Human health
* Environment's health
* Individuality
* Privacy
* Self-determination
* Personal fulfilment
* Personal responsibility
* Social responsibility
* Collaboration
* Respect for subjectivities of others

=== Principles of an RBEM system ===
From the definitions above, Principles are fundamental propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour, or for a chain of reasoning. it is expected that ''all'' processes and systems implemented in the first RBE city will be consistent with all of these. As a result of this requirement for consistencythe principles must be ''practicable''.
* Sustainability is paramount
* Humans cannot be owned
* Earth's resources cannot be owned
* Authority can only be willingly granted, and for a specific purpose and duration, and can be revoked at any time
* Unfair play (eg being disruptive) cannot be tolerated

=== Priorities of the RBEM system ===
A multiple number of things may be very important in a RBEM. Whilst none should be left unattended, a greater percentage of time and resources shall be directed to issues that are deemed higher priority. There are many modes for prioritisation, however the most popular and successful in everyday life are those implemented in modern multyuser operating systems, called ''scheduler'', which allw for the limited resources of a computer to be shared by all processes running, but ensuring that certain processes are given higher priority (''niceness''). It is expected that a similar procedure will be implemented in all RBE systems.
# sustainability of the RBEM system and the environment
# health of the population and the environment

=== Controversial elements to discuss ===
Certain topics belong in the domain of philosophy, or are idiosycratic, or relate to subjective and personal preferences. these need to be discussed, formalised, and reduced to a minimum.
* Nature of personal belongings
* Limits of privacy
* Bashing those offenders who won't leave on their own will
* Tolerance boundaries to offending behaviour
* Concept, purpose and function of the notion of "family"

== History ==
[[Jacque Fresco]] began using the term Resource-Based Economy, claiming also having originated it<ref name="tvp-rbe">[http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/the-venus-project/resource-based-economy Resource Based Economy page in The Venus Project's website]</ref>{{When}}, as a name for a socio-economic system he devised and developed as part of his research for [[The Venus Project]].

=== Development of the concept ===
Jaque Fresco has mentioned in a number of opportunities{{When}} that his work is based on the work of a multitude of thinkers{{Who}}, including works by [[w:Buckminster Fuller|Buckminster Fuller]] from the [[http://www.bfi.org/ Buckminster Fuller Institute]]

Jacque Fresco communicated general ideas about his idea of a RBE{{Vague}} throughout many years{{When}}, expressing them to visitors showing up at his Research Centre in Venus, Florida, and on a number of interviews in shows like Larry King{{Examples}}.

Jacque Fresco, his idea of a Resource-Based Economy and the [[Circular City]] became more accessible to the public through a documentary film by the documentarist [[w:William Gazecki|William Gazecki]] in 2006<ref name="fbd">[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870112/
Future by Design at IMDB] and [http://www.futurebydesignthemovie.com/ Official website of the documentary Future by Design]</ref>.

The concept was massively popularised through the films ''[[Zeitgeist: Addendum]]'' and ''[[Zeitgeist Moving Forward]]'' by [[The Zeitgeist Movement]] founder [[Peter Joseph]], in which the concept was explained in much greater detail. As a result of differences in Peter Joseph's [[w:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge#Situated_knowledge|situated knowledge]] differences with Fresco's, the films included elements that were not fully aligned with TVP's mentality and objectives, causing their movements to dissociate in April 2011.<ref name="tvp-tzm-breakup">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Venus_Project#Zeitgeist_movies TVP an TZM relationship in Wikipedia's Resource-Based Economic Model entry] and [http://tobtr.com/s/1802513  "TVP / TZM Split on V-Radio"]</ref>

As a result of the popularity of the concepts through the various agents that popularised the idea, many movements{{Who}} took elements and understandings of the orignal concept and created a variety of similar notions, mostly maintaining the original name Resource-Based Economy, or similar names like Resource-Based Economic Model (RBEM).<ref name="rbe-copyright">[http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/pages/faq#faq8 The Zeitgeist Movement website FAQs]</ref>

== Different idiosyncrasies about notions of ''Resource-Based Economic Model'' ==
There doesn't seem to be a concerted understanding or description of a Resource-Based Economic Model. It is the main objective of this Wiki to provide a space for such concerted description, even one that includes the various notions or understandings between or even within advocates of the general notions of a RBE.

Although, according to The Zeitgeist Movement's website, The Venus Project sought Copyright for the term "Resource-Based Economy" (and hence also its definition) in 2010<ref name="rbe-copyright"/> {{Verify credibility}}, at the time of this writing a search for the term in [http://cocatalog.loc.gov the US Copyright query database] renders no matches. Despite this, out of respect for the origins of the term, The Zeitgeist Movement prefers to refer to it as ''Resource-Based Economic Model'', or ''RBEM''.<ref name="rbe-copyright"/>

Given the [[The RBE10K Project]]'s involvement in the development of this website is quite significant as it uses it as its main resource for a knowledge-base, there may be biases in some of the understandings about a Resource-Based Economic Model. In order to alleviate the possibility of bias, it is very important that people from a variety of movements and projects participate actively of the compilation of relevant information about this central topic.

== References ==
{{reflist}}