Ego-driven resource competition without global Consensus
In recent years, one nation has moved forward with plans to mine the international deep sea for critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and manganese—materials essential for current technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles. This initiative, made without a global agreement, reflects a troubling aspect of today’s world: ego-driven decision-making in resource management. The focus is on exploiting resources for national short-term gains, ignoring long-term ecological consequences and disregarding the interests of other nations.
This lack of international cooperation on the mining of the ocean floor is merely one example of a larger, ego-driven praxis that spans the globe. Resource competition has led to wars, environmental destruction, and pollution, with the consequences felt across ecosystems and communities. Whether it’s the extraction of fossil fuels, the deforestation of rainforests, or the mining of precious metals, the current system is driven by competition and a desire for power, profit, and control over resources. The health of the planet and the well-being of future generations are too often sidelined in favor of short-term, ego-driven interests.
A New Vision: The Resource-Based Economy of the Future
In stark contrast to today’s ego-driven resource competition, the bookWaking Up presents a radically different vision—one that centers on a resource-based economy. In this new world, resources are not exploited for profit or power but are carefully managed based on the Earth’s carrying capacity and humanity’s true needs, rather than the desires of a few driven by greed.
A resource-based economy seeks to ensure that resources are used equitably and sustainably, with decisions about resource management made through global cooperation, not unilateral action. In this vision, the focus would be on sharing and regenerating resources, not extracting them without foresight. The principles proposed by the Venus Project align closely with this vision, advocating for a world where human needs are met sustainably and equitably, with resources managed to preserve ecological balance and long-term well-being for all.
Meeting Our Need, Not Our Greed: A Shift in Focus
Today, much of the global competition for resources is driven by an insatiable desire for more: more consumer goods, more wealth, more power. This desire for endless consumption has led to the destruction of ecosystems, the pollution of air, water, and soil, and even wars fought over access to precious resources. The insidious effects of this ego-driven mindset are evident in the way resources are extracted, ecosystems are degraded, and Life is often disregarded in favor of economic growth.
In a resource-based economy, however, the emphasis shifts from excess to sufficiency. Resources would be used to meet humanity’s essential needs—food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education—while respecting the Earth’s ecological limits. Deep-sea mining and other extractive practices would only be pursued if absolutely necessary, and with a focus on minimizing harm to the environment. Instead of competing for limited resources, the new world would focus on sustainability, collaboration, and living within the Earth’s carrying capacity.
Ecological Stewardship and Global Cooperation: A New Way of Thinking
The consequences of the ego-driven mindset are not limited to resource extraction—they extend to the way nations interact with each other and the planet. Ego-driven decisions have led to endless conflicts over resources, contributing to war, displacement, and widespread human suffering. Meanwhile, ecosystems continue to be decimated, and pollution continues to poison the planet.
In contrast, a resource-based economy would prioritize ecological stewardship and global cooperation. Rather than engaging in competitive resource extraction and territorial disputes, nations and communities would work together to ensure the sustainable management of resources. The focus would shift from selfish national interests to the collective well-being of the global community. This vision promotes global agreements, long-term ecological health, and shared responsibility in managing Earth’s resources.
The Path to Abundance for all: Living Within the Earth’s Carrying Capacity
The ultimate goal of a resource-based economy in the world of Waking Up is to create abundance—not by over-consuming or exploiting resources, but by living within the Earth’s carrying capacity. In today’s world, greed and competition drive the depletion of resources, the destruction of ecosystems, and the pollution of the planet. But in a future grounded in sustainability, the abundance of resources would be achieved through responsible management, conservation, and regeneration.
By focusing on meeting humanity’s actual needs—rather than the ego-driven pursuit of power and profit—society can create a future where resources are shared, ecosystems are restored, and the planet thrives. Deep-sea mining, war over resources, and the unchecked pollution of the Earth would be relics of the past, replaced by a system that prioritizes cooperation, ecological balance, and the well-being of all living beings.
A Glimpse Into the New World: Benjamin Michaels’ Awakening
The shift to this new world is powerfully illustrated through the protagonist of Waking Up; Benjamin Michaels. When Benjamin first experiences the global moneyless resource-based economy, he is shocked by the contrast to the world he knew. Being a billionaire raised in a society driven by competition, scarcity, and personal gain, he is astounded by the radical shift towards collaboration, sustainability, and abundance. His journey of awakening reveals the profound transformation that takes place when humanity moves from ego-driven practices to a society based on cooperation and the responsible stewardship of resources.
What happens next, and how Benjamin’s understanding of the world evolves, is a key part of the story, and the answers are waiting for you in Waking Up. The book is now available for purchase, offering a deeper dive into this inspiring vision of a post-scarcity future, where humanity learns to live in harmony with the planet. You can order the book here: