"The fact is, efficiency, sustainability, and abundance are enemies of profit."
– Zeitgeist Addendum
What is the Vegan Economy?
It is imperative to acknowledge that enlightened, informed individuals recognize the fundamental immorality of exploiting or harming sentient beings. Such practices are an affront to life itself and contradict the principles of a Resource-Based Economy (RBE). Pairing RBE with veganism is not just logical; it is essential. Each philosophy complements and strengthens the other, forming a framework for a future built on compassion and sustainability.
‘‘Resourceism aligns with a vegan global economy by prioritizing sustainability, ethical resource use, and equity. It eliminates profit-driven exploitation, optimizes plant-based food systems, and reduces environmental harm. By fostering global food security and embracing technologies like lab-grown meat, Resourceism supports a cruelty-free, sustainable future consistent with vegan values.’’
While the average vegan may intuitively align with the ideals of resourceism—the belief that Earth's resources are a shared inheritance for all living beings—those advocating for RBE may focus more on efficiency than morality. However, both perspectives ultimately converge on a shared vision of global well-being, driven by science, equity, and a rejection of exploitation.
A Paradigm Shift in Consciousness
The human race is undergoing a profound shift in consciousness. This revolution, much like historical paradigm shifts, is reshaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. Just as Pythagoras challenged the flat-earth paradigm or the Industrial Revolution redefined manufacturing and economics, we are now poised to challenge the very foundations of our socio-economic systems. This global shift is rooted in interconnectedness, as modern technology and communication reveal the collective impact of individual actions.
The growing awareness that the suffering of one affects all, and that collective flourishing benefits everyone, is driving this transformation. The economic expression of this paradigm shift is resourceism, a belief system that underpins the Resource-Based Economy. This vision seeks to eliminate the profit-driven exploitation of people, animals, and the planet, creating a system that prioritizes well-being over wealth.
Veganism in the New World Economy
In a Resource-Based Economy, the exploitation of animals becomes obsolete. Veganism, already a viable lifestyle, aligns perfectly with the principles of efficiency and sustainability. Studies consistently show that plant-based diets meet all nutritional needs and are better for human health and the environment. As synthetic proteins and plant-based alternatives evolve, the necessity of consuming animal products will diminish.
The transition will not involve outlawing dietary choices but will instead rely on education, innovation, and cultural evolution. By addressing personal preferences with plant-based alternatives that replicate familiar tastes and textures, the shift to veganism will become increasingly seamless. Over time, the societal need for animal exploitation will fade, replaced by ethical and sustainable practices.
Resourceism: The Foundation of RBE
Resourceism, coined in 2021 by vegan educator Michael Corthell, posits that Earth’s resources should be shared equally for the benefit of all inhabitants. It is the cornerstone of a Resource-Based Economy, where goods and services are available to all without money, barter, or trade. In this model, resources are managed collectively as a global commons, maximizing efficiency and eliminating scarcity through advanced technology.
Money, a social construct tied to resource scarcity, becomes irrelevant in this system. Today’s profit-driven economy, rooted in capitalism, prioritizes exponential growth at the expense of planetary and human well-being. This approach has led to catastrophic financial crises and environmental degradation. A Resource-Based Economy, by contrast, is grounded in abundance, cooperation, and sustainability.
The Mechanics of a Resource-Based Economy
Imagine a world where resources are managed like public utilities. Water, for instance, is collected, purified, and distributed as a shared necessity. In an RBE, all resources are treated similarly. Advances in technology, such as AI and automation, enable precise management of global resources, optimizing distribution based on demand.
This transition requires a shift from market-driven systems to a decentralized, algorithmic approach. As markets evolve into networks for sharing resources, profit and speculation are eliminated, and a balance is achieved through equitable distribution. This concept, known as Cybernation, envisions a world where AI-driven systems manage resources as a global utility, fostering a money-less society where needs are met efficiently and ethically.
Challenges and Opportunities
Implementing a Resource-Based Economy comes with significant challenges. Avoiding global conflict during the transition and ensuring ethical management of AI are critical hurdles. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable. Achieving a collective spiritual and ethical "tipping point" is essential for progress, as it fosters the global cooperation necessary to realize this vision.
Veganism and resourceism represent the moral and practical pillars of this transformative paradigm. Together, they offer a path to a future defined by equity, sustainability, and compassion. As we continue to explore and refine these concepts, the dream of a better world becomes not only possible but inevitable.
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General Resources
Books:
Dominion: The Power of Animals in Nature and in Our Imagination by Matthew Scully
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
A Billion Hungry Mouths: Feeding the World Without Consuming the Planet by Colin Tudge
Websites and organizations:
Documentaries:
Articles:
"The Case for Animal Rights" by Tom Regan
‘‘Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism’’ by Melanie Joy
‘‘Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach’’ by Gary L. Francione
‘‘Fellow Creatures: Our Obligations to the Other Animals’’ by Christine Korsgaard
Seeds of Compassion: Finding Jesus Christ in a Vegan World by Michael Corthell
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The information on this vegan/plant-based blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their situation. The blog owner is not responsible for any reliance on the information herein.