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(7/26/99)

CHAPTER XXXIV

WORK AND A SCIENCE OF RELIGION

copyright 1999, 2006 by Arthur M. Jackson 

As indicated in Chapter XIV and Chapter XV the individual's participation in the work and production of their society and the financial reward for doing so is a key element in creating a Wise Community. In fact Lippmann and Galbraith (Chapter III) thought this was the only issue that needed to be considered. However, I think otherwise. I believe that a new approach is needed. If we use the model of the hunter-gatherer tribe as part of our guide and then bring in our "Wisdom" potential we have a way to compare what we're doing against what we should be doing in order to determine how to integrate work into a Wise Community.

This won't be simple as demonstrated by all the key historical figures who have written on this point. But I think they suffered from lack of an overarching framework to work within. Therefore, we have an advantage in moving toward better solutions.

Some specific ideas for ways to integrate employment into the human quest are presented in Volume I, Chapter Two, "Organizing for a Wise Community -- Corporation for Universal Employment." These ideas are expanded here to clarify how we need to proceed to master this area of human development.

To provide congruency between individuals and society while producing wealth requires many things. All the efforts of a CPASR (Center for the Practical Application of a Science of Religion) are part of this goal. However, the Corporation for Universal Employment is the core structure for this undertaking. To the degree that a person has achieved a SFLIHM (a Sustainable Feeling that their LIfe Has Meaning), to that degree will they be able to use all their talents and creativity to advance society and also to contribute in ways that earn them a share in the wealth of the society.

The goal of the Corporation for Universal Employment is to ensure that employment congruent with being a Wise Person in a Wise Community is available for all interested persons.

There are several primary components of a Corporation for Universal Employment (CUE).

1. Production and Planning Units:

Production and Planning Units are embryonic companies that concentrate on a specific problem that needs to be solved in society and focuses on what is needed to solve the problem. It brings together people who are available and have the skills, interest, and knowledge to develop a corporation or company to tackle the problem, and provide income and employment to the individuals involved. These units (companies) can vary in size from one person to thousands. Profit sharing and stock options would be provided to these individuals as a natural procedure by new companies formed as part of a Production and Planning Unit.

2. The Experts and Brainstorming Component:

The most creative members of a CUE, along with special guests, would from time to time meet to share knowledge and brainstorm ideas that Production and Planning Units could pursue to establish ground breaking industries, fill gaps between existing industries, or provide better support for existing companies and corporations. A model for this possibility[1] is presented in the following pages.

3. Volunteer Consulting Services:

One service the CUE must provide would be volunteer consulting services to help each Production and Planning Unit master the steps necessary to have an efficient, flourishing, profitable, and successful business. These consulting services might be made up of retired persons with appropriate experience. Also, they might include executives who are still working but are willing to share some of their time and experience to help others master the necessary understanding to build a successful company. Such services would help provide structure for persons who are still learning self discipline. Also they would provide know-how and advice concerning the best ways to maintain records, handle advertising, organize an office, supervise staff, and deal with all the other problems of running a successful business. They could also provide support to help the persons in charge apply new ideas that conflict with their current knowledge and experiences.

In addition they might involve student interns[2] (see following article) who are training in the latest ideas about the requirements of business to help apply those ideas.

4. Incubators:

Models for one key ingredient of a CUE, incubators, are described below: [3] and [4]. These might be models that a CUE could utilize.

5. LOANS: One of the essential ingredients of any new business is money. Although there are a myriad of approaches to this issue, an interesting model[5] that looks very hopeful is presented on the following pages.

2. SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, "Stanford Starts up a New Idea," James J. Mitchell, p. E-1, San Jose, CA, Sunday, December 1, 1969.

3. SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, Extra, "New Companies Share Space, Advice," Holly A. Heyser, p. 3, San Jose, CA, Wednesday, April 19, 1995.

4. SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, "Renaissance Gives Diverse Start-ups a Boost," Steve Kaufman, p. E-1, San Jose, CA, Monday, October 5, 1998.

5. SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, "Microcredit Gives Macro Benefits," Rachel L. Jones, p. C-1, San Jose, CA, Tuesday, February 4, 1997.