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.
Industry Reviews
"The Cooperative Society provides a very encouraging approach and view of the future, ones I believe rightly identify how ripe the mood is of people around the world for qualitative change. This book does an outstanding job of explaining the context for change and, just as importantly, the urgent need for such a change." Charles Gould, Director-General International Co-operative Alliance "The Cooperative Society is a refreshing and hopeful analysis of major trends in human behavior." Judy Ziewacz, President and CEO The National Cooperative Business Association/ CLUSA "I liked The Cooperative Society a lot. It's both forward-looking and grand in its historical context - and irredeemably hopeful, especially given the current political craziness." Burt Solomon, Contributing editor The Atlantic and National Journal "This book does not point to social idealism or lofty statements about the cooperative commonwealth. Instead, the Nadeaus have made a simple, believable and well-supported proposition that cooperatives are the only road to a constructive future for the planet and its people." David J. Thompson, President Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation "The Cooperative Society is a hopeful and practical blueprint of where we all need to place our focus if we wish to contribute to the evolution of a more resilient, egalitarian, peaceful and cooperative society. With wonderfully informative graphics, [the authors] present encouraging insights on just how far we have come already, and where we need to put our efforts now to get us to the next stage of human history." Wendy Holm, Agronomist, columnist, journalist, writer Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada "The Cooperative Society lays out major drivers of our socio/political/economic environment, but it also develops a useful framework for measuring and monitoring these factors over time." Walden Swanson, Founder and director emeritus CoMetrics
