The spirit of cooperation has been alive and well since the beginning of civilization. The Mesopotamians with their science, technology, religion, and language were among the first modern people to demonstrate the power of synergy. Even amongst prehistoric peoples great advances in living conditions were made through cooperating: the invention of fire, hunting & gathering, clothes and shelter making.
Few would discredit the progress we have made. Yet for all of its contributions, cooperation has somehow largely escaped the playing field of modern economics. Competition is king in our business and political systems, employing all manner of cut throat tactics and cost cutting measures.
Some of us have rationally pondered there must be a better way. If we could somehow incorporate that spirit of cooperation which came so naturally for early societies into our own systems, our productivity and quality of life would increase exponentially.
Enter Elinor Ostrom. A political scientist/economist, Elinor has spent years researching the science of cooperation, studying small and medium jurisdictions. She recently won the nobel prize in economics for her work on cooperation. And based on its potential to benefit our world, many would say: "Not a moment too soon".
Read more at Yes! Magazine...
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