It would be like it used to be a very long time ago. It would be a place where people do for others not based on some predetermined monetary value, rather based on need and with a desire to help.
What we do would instead be valued for it's actual worth instead of a prescribed value determined by a market rate.
Raking old Mrs Jones' yard would be met with appreciation and one tray of cookies.
Taking care of the neighbors toddler while they go to a school night for an older child would be worth thanks and a weekend watching your dog while you get away for a bit.
Helping Mr Smith harvest his garden would be worth the camaraderie while working together and a basket full of tomatoes and kale.
It would suck for those who adore accumulating money and goods, but hopefully, even they would come to appreciate the value of compassion and human connection over time, and come to appreciate a sort of give and take that fulfills needs instead of abstracting them via the middleman concept of money.
Written Apr 13, 2014 •