We humans have developed many different ways of life, and through some of them we lived very well. By noting what they had in common, we can identify eight rules of human thriving:
Organize at Human Scale
We humans do best in groups of the size we evolved to live in: 25-150 people. Organizing ourselves in groups at this scale works well for us. [Read more…]
Create Real Communities
We humans evolved to live in tight-knit communal groups. The more our modern social arrangements reflect that pattern, the happier we become. [Read more…]
Connect with the Divine
Connecting with the Divine impels us toward the beautiful and good. A sense of the sacred has always been central to strong societies. [Read more…]
Set Boundaries for Wealth
We are hard-wired for fairness, equality, and helping each other. Setting upper and lower wealth limits helps us achieve these things at a societal level. [Read more…]
Take Natural Gender Roles
Men and women evolved to take complementary roles. When we enable ourselves to do this, everyone benefits, especially our children. [Read more…]
Bring Boys Into Manhood
For 50,000 years, boys were initiated into manhood. Initiation is important because it turns young men into social assets who protect and provide. [Read more…]
Tell Canonical Stories
Stories (books, movies, etc.) are more than entertainment. They should instruct us in cultural values and virtues that have stood the test of time. [Read more…]
Build Beautiful Cities
Beautiful cities inspire confidence and goodness. As places of comfort and delight, they radiate those qualities to society as a whole. [Read more…]
