In this book, we present the hypothesis that humans may be on the threshold of a new historical stage, one characterized by cooperation, democracy, the equitable distribution of resources and a sustainable relationship with nature. Our history for more than 200,000 years has included cooperation with one another, with other species and with our physical environment. But it has also included a tremendous amount of conflict. Just look at the bloody trail of wars, violence and oppression that have characterized our relationships with one another and our planet throughout recorded history. The authors hypothesize that we may be on the verge of moving beyond our conflict-filled past toward a society in which cooperation is the predominant way we relate to one another and to the world around us. "The Cooperative Society" is organized in three parts: a description of the hypothesis; a "test" of it based on measurement of seven broad variables; and a set of observations and recommendations for how we can increase the likelihood of moving toward a more cooperative society during the next several decades. We believe that a cooperative transition would be a momentous, positive step forward for our species. At the same time, we have attempted to objectively report and analyze the data for and against this transition, playing the role of both scientific observers and advocates. "The Cooperative Society" is a call to action as well as the presentation of research results. We, as humans, have the ability to shape our society. Our purpose for writing this book is to motivate and assist readers in restructuring our economic, political and social behavior and institutions in ways that are better for humanity and for our planet.

The Cooperative Society: The Next Stage in Human History

Business & Money

Nadeau Ph.D., E.G.

Nadeau M.S., Luc

Economics

E.G. Nadeau

<p>Strengthening the Cooperative Community by E.G. Nadeau, Ph.D., draws on his 50 years of experience in researching, developing, teaching and writing about what makes cooperative businesses succeed or fail, and how to make co-ops an even more dynamic force for positive change that benefits people and the environment in the 21st century. The book first presents an historical review that derives lessons from a variety of cooperative sectors including insurance companies that emerged around 1700; grocery, financial and agricultural co-ops that originated in the 1800s; and electricity, employee-owned and social service co-ops that began in the 20th century. The book then focuses on examples of, and lessons from, Nadeau's 50 years of experience as a researcher and developer of dozens of cooperative projects in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.The third section of the book describes six "building blocks" of cooperative development that have proven to be key factors in creating successful co-ops and a thriving International co-op community with an estimated 1 billion members.The final section presents opportunities for cooperative development in the 21st century that have the potential to generate jobs and services for hundreds of millions of new co-op members and employees.The latter two sections of the book make 16 specific, practical recommendations for strengthening the cooperative community in the current decade.</p>

Strengthening the Cooperative Community

Nadeau, E.G.

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Books by E.G. Nadeau