Free, Equal, and Mutual

“We are living in a crisis-ridden ‘Brexit and Trump’ time, with the rise again of toxic nationalism and populism, and with both Britain and the USA and also countries of the EU exploring their social futures. This affords a golden opportunity for re-imagining a Europe—and a world—with distinct-but-connected, vibrant narratives of cultural flourishing, of respecting fundamental human rights, of thriving social businesses, and of care for the planet, which is our common home.” — Nicanor Perlas (from his foreword)

The brutal implementation of market fundamentalism generates massive human insecurity and inequality. People feel precarious and angry, and afraid for their jobs, homes, children, health, wellbeing, identity, and lifeways. Left/right pendulum politics swings from “more market” to “more state.”

Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) saw the dangers of this unstable “market/state” duopoly. He suggested the radical conditions and three-way dynamics of politics, economy, and culture. He saw the urgent need for creating the conditions for lasting peace when campaigning for a threefold “commonwealth” society in war-torn Germany of 1917–1919. He saw self-determination for individuals as healthy, but prophetically saw “national self-determination” under Versailles as a recipe for toxic nationalism and more wars. His alternative was a dynamic society based on mutuality, equality, freedom, and earth-care for the wellbeing of people and the planet.

This anthology of twenty inspiring and practical chapters draws on Steiner’s social vision—from Triodos’ ethical banking to land for people, biodynamic farming, freeing schools, subtle advocacy, associative economics, and a sustainable, biodynamic food revolution.