What would you change about modern society?

We could better the planet by eliminating the cash/money system.

The system of asset-dependent wealth and welfare. The system that says, “only those who are competent and able” may fill a paying position. The rest get to live off of a smaller income as dictated by those who are above this level of lifestyle and far removed from the associated struggles of living at this level.

Even as a child, I could never understand why people had to “buy” food. It made zero sense that a necessary and relatively abundant resource would be put behind paywalls so that the average citizens might struggle to obtain fresh and healthy food. It made even less sense to me that people bought homes and medical care. I felt, even in my 9-12 year-old-self, that people should innately have a place to live and sleep. They should be entitled to proper medical care and the price – well… in my world cost is non-existent.

It was then and still is my thought that humanity should remove this capitalist system that dictates the lives we live and instead provide for the people as peers. I believe in providing for others because it is right, and good. I believe that we should return to our barter/trade society and provide for our community what they need and in turn, they will return the favors.

John down the street lost his vegetable garden in a windstorm, so the community provides John with enough vegetables to get by. During the winter, John had an abundance of chicken eggs for some strange reason. John then provides the community with extra eggs that he doesn’t use. John is able to survive and flourish in good health. Maude smiles gleefully over a pan of scrambled eggs remembering the old hens that she had when she was young enough to chase them.

“That could never work. Everything costs money!”

Does it, though? Money is a societal invention designed to provide a record of transaction, and to give value to certain commodities. Why? What could the purpose of currency really be? For power. That is it. There is zero need for money other than to physically provide proof of power over others by giving slips of paper and chunks of metal a certain metaphysical worth. This worth was somehow assigned to the holder which then gave more power to those holding the most money.

If you break it down into simple terms like that and simple ideas… it isn’t about value or worth at all. It never was. It was about which chieftain could afford all of the cattle and land. Not which chieftain boasted a flourishing and healthy community. No, it was about what was in his royal coffers.

King Kamehameha has something to say about this:

Sure, there are places in the world that proves that this radical line of thinking is possible, but it is often relegated to smaller island communities or tribal lands. Places like Niihau and certain non-contacted tribes in central South America, Africa, and Australia flourish on a trade system.

A bear needs a fish. He takes a fish. A squirrel needs an acorn. He takes an acorn. They never take anymore than they need.

“In a World”


In a realm of boundless imagination, picture a world where the shackles of the monetary system have been cast aside, and the very fabric of society is woven with threads of creativity and compassion. Imagine a place where the crooked cottage door doesn't open to a conventional life, but to a realm where trinkets of old come alive and whisper tales of wonder and change.

In this extraordinary reality, homelessness becomes an enigma of the past. No longer restrained by the burden of profits and greed, people come together to redefine the concept of housing. Communal living arrangements emerge, nurturing communities where support and understanding are the foundations of shelter. Pioneering architectural designs stretch beyond the limits of convention, creating spaces that exude warmth and dignity for all, free from the suffocating grip of financial constraints.

In the tapestry of this new world, poverty unravels, revealing a tapestry of abundance and shared prosperity. The focus shifts from the accumulation of wealth to the equitable distribution of resources. Education, healthcare, and opportunities are no longer elusive dreams but vibrant realities accessible to every soul. The boundaries that once confined people to a cycle of deprivation crumble away, and the tapestry of unity is woven, binding everyone in the quest for a better and fairer world.

Behold the canvas where hunger is but a forgotten pigment. In this realm, food is no longer tainted by the desire for profit. Instead, communities unite to cultivate the land, cherishing its bounty as a collective gift. Sustainable agricultural practices flourish, and knowledge is passed from one generation to the next like the gentle breeze that carries the whispers of a harmonious existence. As the aroma of abundance wafts through the air, no one goes hungry, and nourishment is a universal birthright.

In the heart of this extraordinary vision lies a transformation of healthcare. A symphony of healing unfolds, with medical professionals driven by the pure passion to mend and mend souls, rather than the allure of financial gain. The pursuit of profit no longer obscures the path to well-being; instead, the focus shifts to preventive care and holistic approaches. Every individual, regardless of their station in life, has access to the remedy of their choice, healing the world with the power of compassion and understanding.

As this tale unfurls, we are beckoned to seize the brush of creativity and color the canvas of our own reality. While such a world may seem like a fantastical dream, it beckons us to ponder the possibilities of a more compassionate and equitable existence. With courage, collaboration, and open hearts, we can weave the threads of change and step into a brighter, more harmonious tapestry, a world where creativity and empathy reign supreme, and the true essence of humanity is unshackled from the chains of money.


©️ Arwen-Wynter Oakley 2023