<div dir="ltr">One of the principles used to describe the why and the how of OST is self organizing systems. This is, in my opinion, the core of why OST works. Everything in creation with the possible exception of hydrogen is self organizing. Self organizing systems are self sustaining by definition or they disappear. They use what is available to them to form relationships and are present and conscious in those possibilities as they change. As their environment changes because of their activity self organizing systems find uses for waste which enables their sustainability. It is different than capitalism, I think, because there is no consciousness to sustainability in capitalism. I am not very knowledgeable about economics but it seems to me that capitalism does not address sustainability. Its focus is on doing what is possible in them moment without regard for consequences. Seems like the best governments are able to moderate that "laissez-faire" notion with consciousness about sustainability.<div>
Pat Black<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 8:42 AM, Martin Boroson <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:marty@becomingme.com">marty@becomingme.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">
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<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">I am wondering …</span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The philosophy of Open Space seems to
promote a genuinely free market for ideas. The underlying belief, as I
understand it, is that allowing each person to follow his/her passion is the
best way to discover the best ideas and solutions. It's efficient,
just like a market. This sure sounds like the 'invisible
hand' and laissez-faire capitalism to me.</span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">I have even sold Open Space to some
corporate execs by pointing out that since they value the free market so dearly
<i><span style="font-style:italic">outside</span></i> their company, they might
want to try a free market <i><span style="font-style:italic">for ideas</span></i>
inside their company. </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">So I have often wondered if people on this
list believe as passionately in the free market for the economy as they do in
Open Space. In the current economic crisis, as the world clamors
for greater regulation – i.e. more rules and limits on the freedom of
markets – I am wondering if any of you have any thoughts or insights to
share.</span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">I imagine Harrison will remind me that Open
Space runs on freedom <i><span style="font-style:italic">and</span></i>
responsibility… yet the responsibility asked of participants in Open
Space is pretty minimal – naming their passion and showing up for their
sessions and respecting others' freedom to do the same.
It's well short of socialism.</span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Marty</span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" color="gray" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:gray"> </span></font></p>
<p><font size="1" color="black" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black">Priory End House</span></font></p>
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TQ9 5NZ</span></font></p>
<p><font size="1" color="black" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black">United Kingdom</span></font><font size="1" color="black" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black"></span></font></p>
<p><font size="1" color="black" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black">+44 784 344 5746 (mobile)</span></font></p>
<p><font size="1" color="gray" face="Arial"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:gray"><a href="http://www.martinboroson.info" target="_blank">www.martinboroson.info</a></span></font><font size="1" color="gray"><span style="font-size:6.0pt;color:gray"></span></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></font></p>
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