Life = Needs

How do we meet all our needs?

Self-dependence is great, but trying to supply every one of our own needs all alone is impractical, if not impossible. And besides, why would you want to? That’s what we invented society for!

We are dependent on others. It’s not good or bad in itself…it’s just a fact. The important question is, what form does that dependence take?

One-way dependence for our needs, whether we’re dependent on a person or an organization, puts all the power on one side. People are not angels…and concentration of power inevitably leads to exploitation and tyranny.

Interdependence is understanding that we need and depend on one another and building voluntary and intentional relationships of trust for mutual benefit. Interdependence means we ALL have a stake in each other’s well-being. It means we can share values, efforts and outcomes…without surrendering our individuality!

Interdependence allows individuals to interact with each other as free equals.

Check out my first short overview of interdependence basics. How we get there will be the subject of future installments.

 Interdependence Basics – Part 1: Dependence and Power (pdf)

Please feel free to contact me with any feedback or suggestions you might have. E-mail: patricke@uplanu.net