[Written]

[sikisikiana]

A place in which there is a higher source ... a higher source that, unlike a government, cannot be contacted. Unlike a government, it cannot be overthrown. Or so we think

Comments

[encryptedlock]

I'd do anything for my friends. They know that. I'd follow them into Hell if it meant keeping them safe.

[sikisikiana]

Curious ... would you follow their orders, though? Even if it meant peril or placing yourself in a dangerous situation?

[encryptedlock]

Unless I had a really goddamn good reason not to, yeah. Like if I was pretty sure they were on a loss.

[sikisikiana]

Even if they are not in a higher position of authority than you, you would still follow their order?

Most would get into a power struggle over such things.

written back;

[wornbright]

Resources? But does it count since I don't think the people in the town can wish for things like we can. Ours are more unlimited than theirs... I think.

Um... [ thinking about an answer ] I guess it's the same as above; I listen to my friends here. Out of respect and love. [ sometimes fear-- mostly for her own safety ]

written forever <3

[sikisikiana]

This is true -- wouldn't that make an interesting study? The difference between our privileges and their lack thereof? I'm surprised we do not have people doing "field work" with those citizens.

So respect ... and love. And trusting. Have you ever had to listen to someone out of fear, young lady?

YES <3

[wornbright]

I've asked around before but a lot of them seem clueless or maybe they think I'm just joking around because I'm just a teenager.

[ a pause in her writing ]

Fear? I don't think so.

[sikisikiana]

I haven't the anthropological training, but I'd not be opposed to an outing with you for purely observational purposes.

How strange.

[clarklike]

There's no need for anyone to work for someone else for any reason other than love or respect. Obligation is a matter of choice. Fear is unacceptable.

For all the occasional talk about Paradisa being a "functional anarchy," we do have leaders here. The castle takes care of all the necessities and then some, and then it's just up to some individuals to step forward and make plans and do what's necessary for everyone's protection... but that's when and only when it's absolutely necessary. There's no special treatment otherwise. Those individuals only keep doing what they're doing because they're trusted, and they wouldn't be giving orders if they weren't.

And it's just common sense, in a place like this. When we're all expected to co-exist together in close quarters for seemingly random periods of time, there's no point in power struggles or class systems. There are few people here who refuse to reason or respect the rest, and for the most part, they aren't very popular... but everyone else gets along fine without any class system.

[sikisikiana]

A noble concept, certainly. However, there are types that know not how to behave unless it is out of fear, assertiveness, and seeing who is the dominant. It's animal nature, is it not?

How do the leaders come about? Does it become just a generally accepted thing amongst most of the people here? How do they prove their trustworthiness? Good deeds?

I'd say it's very impressive how well people get along here. Almost inspiring.

[clarklike]

There are a few of those types, but if we don't stop them, they either leave or eventually grow up and stop running around breaking things. Unfortunately, these people tend to be powerful, as well, and I don't think fighting fire with fire works in those situations.

Usually, whenever something serious happens, those people tend to speak up with whatever they have to help... and pull through with it. Charity, too.

Isn't it? I think it's fantastic.

[sikisikiana]

Do you think this near-harmony is from the inherent equality we all are given when it comes to losses, curses, wishes ... resources. Or is it the nature of the people that are brought here?

This place is almost like a sedative. When it's not providing frustration.

But do you think most people here are afraid? Of the unknown, of the Source?

[heirdom]

The lack of power is so annoying.

[sikisikiana]

Think of power as an iceberg. We usually can only see how it is constructed and works from above the surface ... but the majority of it is beneath the water, my son.

There are other ways to access power.

[heirdom]

And if you can't see enough of it above water?

[sikisikiana]

Then something must have caused it to melt. Which means the source of power is where you would not expect ... most likely.

[imnotjenkins]

Never really thought about it.

[sikisikiana]

Seems like a simple life.

[imnotjenkins]

There's enough to worry about this place as it is.

[sikisikiana]

I'd say the lack of authority outside of the source keeping us captive is a valid cause for worry, though. Your approach is indubitably a more suitable reaction from the common people.