Shared values? Like in religion? This article avoids the elephant in the room. Many folks no longer believe in organised religion.

Moreover, healthy eating is beyond the budget of far too many folks. And rate rises and the cost of energy preclude a healthy diet in favour of one that simply fills empty bellies.

It's ok to visit dream castles in the clouds, but not to move in as a permanent resident. Conservative drivel.
Alan B.

Great article, thanks!

As I commented at the previous article, governments have applied a strategy of "divide and conquer" in order to perpetuate their power.
If people are allowed to live in smaller groups with shared values, then individuals become less needy and governments can no longer bribe or extort them to be on their side.

I am therefore pessimistic about the states ever allowing this - we probably need some serious catastrophe before it can happen.

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Dear Alan B.,

«Shared values? Like in religion? This article avoids the elephant in the room.»

Yes, what's wrong with people who aspire to come closer to God joining together, so they can enjoy each other's good company and help each other live in a supportive and less toxic environment?

«Many folks no longer believe in organised religion.»

If you refer to churches and the like, that is because they mostly ceased to be religious and remained religions by name only.

«Moreover, healthy eating is beyond the budget of far too many folks.»

Certainly, eating alone is expensive, but communal eating eliminates spoilage and reduces the costs significantly; and using original ingredients cuts the costs of industrial processing and packaging; cooking larger amounts also saves much energy.

And with sufficiently tight groups, even the need for money can be eliminated - What a bummer for governments who will no longer receive taxes!