Freedom Digital Library
Draft Vision Statement
1. The Freedom Digital Library is visualized by its creators as not
"just another library," or collection of information, but instead
as a deliberately alternative approach to information, as com-
pared with that exemplified in contemporary and historical "con-
ventional human culture."
2. Information, in our view, is the foundation of the "commonwealth"
of All Life, or of what may be expanded conceptually to include
"All That Is." We perceive everything - everything - as a pro-
duct, somehow, of intentional, intelligent design; and therefore
as a manifestation "in substantial form" of the information - the
intentional patterns of design - that underly "All Things." This
awareness expands the compass of our interest in many ways far
beyond the horizon that may be expected to enclose the concerns
of a "conventional library."
3. Further, we hold it as fundamental that All are One. This simply-
stated principle leads to numerous profound departures from "con-
ventional assumptions" about information, and the human use of
information, including all human action and interaction; some of
which (departures) are elaborated below:
3.1. Human relationships.
3.2. Information sharing.
3.3. Education.
3.4. Architecture and design.
3.5. Land use.
3.6. Industry.
3.7. Commerce.
3.8. Governance and law.
4. The Freedom Digital Library is a collection of information
intended for free and unencumbered use by Sovereign Individuals,
who take responsibility for our own choices, and for the conse-
quences of all our choices. Because information is the founda-
tion, and one might even say the essence of "All That Is," it
appears self-evident that the "healthy" functioning of "All
Things" depends upon the free and unencumbered flow of informa-
tion; which is in turn required by, and dependent upon, the
responsible awareness of the inextricably interrelatedness of
"All Things," summed up in the universal principle, All are One.
We venture here preliminary and provisional commentary upon each
of the eight items listed above, with the intent that these areas
of interest are open to shaping, modification, and refinement
over the course of time, under the influence of the unique
visions of participants and users of the Freedom Digital Library.
4.1. Human relationships:
The primary departure from "conventional," or "traditional
patterns," brought about by the vision that All are One, is
that no human owns another; no human has priority over ano-
ther, unless by mutual agreement, and under limited condi-
tions. For examples:
4.1.1. A person1 may render value or service to another
person, for which compensation is delayed; with
the result that, by mutual understanding and agree-
ment, the second is "indebted" to the first, until
such time as the "debt" is compensated;
4.1.2. A person of limited knowledge, understanding, or
skill may seek for self-improvement the aid of a
"master of the art;" by entering into a relation-
ship as an "apprentice," "student," or "disciple"
of the "master," again by mutual understanding and
agreement;
4.1.3. A person may contract to assist another in some
endeavor in exchange for an agreed-upon compensa-
tion, and under mutually understood and agreed-
upon circumstances.
Absent mutual understanding and agreement among all per-
sons concerned, no human has priority over another: for
the reason that All are One, and each of us springs from
a singular and common Source; making all natural persons
peers2 in the realm of Being. No peer can make a legiti-
mate claim upon another, absent mutual understanding and
agreement.
4.2. Information sharing:
Because All are One, human creativity, ideas, inventions,
inspirations, creative works, are by default non-proprie-
tary, because human creativity never occurs in a vacuum.
It is always the product of many minds, many creative
influences, most not even consciously known to the person
seized by a creative impulse. Therefore, it is false to
lay exclusive claim to a creative work as one's proprie-
tary "intellectual property." The benefits of freely
sharing human creativity vastly outweigh its alleged
"costs."
4.2.1. Even the most brilliant idea or creation is never
so perfect it cannot be improved. Many improve-
ments are often not perceived by the "originator"
of a creative impulse, yet may be quickly grasped
by another mind with a unique point of view.
Everyone who benefits by a creative idea benefits
even more by its improvement.
4.2.2. Creativity spawns creativity. The creative work of
one person often suggests to another a new innova-
tion, or invention, based upon the original work.
Binding the original under a proprietary claim
renders derivative works difficult or impossible
to produce; while making it freely available for
incorporation into derivative works may spawn a
surprising cascade of useful inventions and works.
4.2.3. Aside from direct remuneration, there are numerous
ways for an author to "profit" from the creation
and distribution of non-proprietary, or what we
call Free Information:
4.2.3.1. The author may be sensitive to the
intrinsic humanitarian value of Free
Information, without regard to its com-
mercial value to the author. When infor-
mation flows freely among human minds,
and is available for adaptation, juxta-
position, collaboration, and reciprocal
stimulation with complimentary Free
Information from other sources, unpre-
dictable leaps of insight, discovery,
and invention often result, and everyone
benefits.
4.2.3.2. Conversely, when information is seques-
tered or compartmentalized within laby-
rinths of proprietary restrictions,
people suffer loss of freedom, dimi-
nished opportunity, stunted vision,
among a host of disadvantages springing
directly from ignorance, a condition
that has not to our knowledge yet done
anybody any good.
4.2.3.3. The author may wish to introduce a con-
cept to a wide audience free of charge,
with an eye to commercially marketing
its details. An expert in some field,
for instance, may wish to make available
sufficient information to demonstrate
his or her expertise and stimulate wide
interest in the subject. When success-
fully accomplished, there is reasonable
certainty of being commercially rewarded
through the interest stimulated by the
Free Information published, for exam-
ple in the Freedom Digital Library. The
author's work then at once edifies the
FDL Community and serves as an adver-
tisement for the author.
4.2.3.4. The author may have "Something to Say"
of considerable value and importance,
yet be relatively or completely "un-
known." Publishing as Free Information
in the Freedom Digital Library may be a
means of gaining recognition for ideas
that might not find a hearing in a more
"conventional" venue.
4.2.3.5. The author may be aware of information
which he or she feels might for some
reason be suppressed unless it is made
broadly visible and disseminated quickly
throughout the Internet.
4.2.4. In a "new paradigm" civilization of limitless
freedom and abundance, there are few advantages,
and many disadvantages, to proprietary claims upon
human creativity. Therefore, by default, human
creativity is non-proprietary. It is incumbent
upon individuals wishing to maintain proprietary
claims upon their creativity to take appropriate
measures to secure it.
That said, we nevertheless honor the wishes of the author,
including proprietary claims to so-called "intellectual
property." With possible rare exceptions, we publish no
proprietary information locally, identify it clearly as
proprietary if and when we do, and make every effort to
exclude proprietary information from the content of the
Freedom Digital Library.
4.3. Education:
Illuminated by the vision that All are One, it becomes
clear that one does not become "educated" exclusively as a
result of passing through a curriculum specified by an
institutional hierarchy. All Life may be viewed as an "ed-
ucational process," without beginning or end, and without
judgement, or a scale for "passing" and "failing marks."
We believe that all learning is self-motivated, and
lavishly supplies its own rewards; and that each Sovereign
Individual potentially has much to learn from, and much to
"teach," his or her peers, about many things. We believe
two of the most effective learning environments are a) an
effective library, where the widest possible spectrum of
information is freely available to all interested persons;
and b) one in which there are abundant opportunities for
"neophytes" to associate with, and learn by example from
"masters" of various skills, crafts, and techniques: some-
thing in some ways similar to "apprenticeship" in ages
past.
4.4. Architecture and design:
The vision that All are One changes the dynamic and moti-
vation for architecture in at least one important way. The
primary purpose for architecture becomes the creation of
environments for creative human interaction; rather than
the creation of fortresses against other humans and a per-
ceived hostile Nature. Buildings and building complexes
cease to serve the purpose of grand monuments to the glory
of their builders and patrons, and are devoted instead to
the most practical and efficient service of the needs,
desires, and convenience of those who occupy and use them;
not the least significant of whom is "Mother Earth," who
bears the burden of all human architecture.
4.5. Land use:
If it is true that All are One, then it must also be true
that no individual or group of individuals can lay legiti-
mate exclusive claim to any part of planet Earth. An exam-
ination of human history confirms that all such claims
have been made, enforced, and contested by force of arms
and armed conquest, and have no higher claim to "legiti-
macy" than that of "Might makes Right." Although "property
ownership" has enjoyed a long and venerated tradition
throughout civilization, its origin and perpetuation has
invariably sprung from the spilling of human blood by
human hands and weapons. "Real estate" is the historical
legacy of war, plunder, and rapine.
Therefore, it is sensible that a community, organization,
or human eadeavor founded upon the principle that All are
One should likewise substitute the institution of com-
monwealth for that of "property ownership." Accordingly,
this is an ideal intentionally supported by the Freedom
Digital Library.
4.6. Industry:
We believe that Nature provides the most exemplary proto-
type for human industry, and it is our intent to follow,
to the extent possible, and to encourage others to follow
the example of Nature in all industrial, manufactory pro-
cesses. The most salient feature of "Natural Industry" is
the "universal law," or "practice," that every byproduct
of a Natural Process makes a positive contribution to some
other Natural Process. For examples:
4.6.1. The metabolisim of green plants produces the (to
them) poisonous byproduct oxygen; which is essen-
tial to the metabolism of all animals;
4.6.2. The metabolism of animals produces the byproduct
carbon dioxide; which is essential to the metabo-
lism of all green plants;
4.6.3. Deciduous trees and forests every autumn discard
billions of tons of leaves, which with the
approach of winter are no longer useful to them,
and may be injurious in the event of a heavy snow-
fall before they are discarded; yet these dis-
carded leaves serve as a nutritious mulch that
nourishes the soil and supports the lives of
countless beneficial organisms, which combine to
add vitality to the following spring season.
These and countless similar examples demonstrate the pos-
sibility of "industrial strength manufacturing" without
any "pollution" or "toxic byproducts" whatsoever. They
supply us with the assurance that human manufacture of all
humanly useful and desirable products can be produced, "on
an industrial scale," without contaminating and poisoning
our patron, hostess, and founder, "Mother Earth," even
slightly.
This is possible, for it is done, and may be witnessed by
anyone anywhere; and it follows from the principle that
All are One. On the basis of "what has been" in human
experience, following the example of Nature in this regard
may appear to be a "tall order." It is nevertheless an
essential order, for the "penalty" for not following it is
inevitable extinction. Nature perpetuates herself from one
epoch to the next because she follows this incontestable
order without exception. We must learn to do likewise, or
exit the domain of Life. Therefore, immediately achievable
or not, "pollution-free industry" is included in our
Freedom Digital Library Vision Statement.
4.7. Commerce:
In the broadest sense, commerce is the mutually beneficial
exchange among living beings, without which Life would be
impossible. The metabolic exchange among plants and ani-
mals mentioned above is a species of commerce. Healthy
commerce is "profitable" to all parties to an exchange;
and given that All are One, "profit" at the "expense" of
"the party of the second part" is not, in our view, the
motive for healthy commerce. As in 4.6. above, Nature pro-
vides abundant examples of commerce worthy of human emu-
lation.
4.7.1. All over the world, flowering plants produce a
nectar that is freely and industriously harvested
by countless bees and other flying insects; in
"exchange" for which, in the very act of harvest-
ing this miraculous treasure, the insects cross-
pollinate the flowering plants, fecundating them
for the creation of fruit and new life.
4.7.2. Squirrels, chipmunks, and other nut- and seed-
gathering animals, harvest the lavish bounty of
seedbearing trees and plants; in the process of
which they scatter and plant many seeds and nuts,
some of which sprout and grow, thus proliferating
the plant species that feed them.
4.7.3. Throughout biology are to be found numberless
examples of symbiotic relationships in which var-
ious species engage in mutually beneficial ex-
changes - commerce - which add health and vitality
not only to their own lives, but contribute as
well to the harmony among All Things.
Apologists for the status quo - "business as usual" - may
cite examples in Nature of predation, parasitism, and ap-
parently vicious competition in support of their practi-
ces; which examples undeniably exist as well. Here is
where the prerogatives of Sovereign Free Will enter the
dance. Our policy at the Freedom Digital Library is to
choose - and to attract and encourage others who choose -
peace over war, honesty over deception, fair exchange of
value over "sharp practices."
Ideally, we shall soon have at our disposal an honest cur-
rency, free of debt, and backed by precious metals.3 Short
of this, we can make choices, possibly including the crea-
tion locally of our own "Time Dollars," to facilitate hon-
est commerce; and in general pursue policies which delib-
erately distance ourselves from the predatory, parasitic
practices of conventional "business as usual," and emulate
instead the symbiotic examples found in Nature and among
other groups, tribes, and cultures demonstrating resonance
with the principle that All are One.
4.8. Governance and law:
It is widely assumed that in order to have an organized
structure consisting of many constituents, it is necessary
also to have an organizing structure, commonly termed
"government," or "law." This is the "social contract" that
binds the community together, and supplies the consensus
"blueprint" which defines the organization, its purposes,
aspirations, and methods.
The organizing principles for the Freedom Digital Library,
from which all else follows, are the overarching under-
standing that All are One, and the Individual is Sover-
eign. From these it follows that "applicable law" - "real
law" - must have its roots in Cosmic Law; which is not
"legislated," but is simply "how things are." It is not
possible to "violate" Cosmic Law, for every action,
every decision, every choice, has consequences that nat-
urally follow from it; and every Sovereign is at liberty
to make any choice, and is responsible for every conse-
quence of his or her choices.
There is a popular myth at large in the contemporary world
to the effect that "No man stands above the law." This is
true of Cosmic Law, for all men, women, and beings of
every description, are products of Cosmic Law. It is not
true, however, of human legislation, for all such "laws"
are the products of humans, and no human is a product of
any such "law," or "legal system." The myth would be more
truthful if it were corrected to read, "All men and women
stand above the (human) law."
Nevertheless, human law, at least potentially, serves the
vital purpose of explicitly stating the "social contract"
that by mutual agreement binds human society together. In
4.1. it was stated that "no human owns another; no human
has priority over another, unless by mutual agreement, and
under limited conditions." These "limited conditions" con-
stitute the "social contract," the "man-made law," to
which the Sovereign Constituents agree, or do not agree,
on the basis of mutual understanding and accord. If a Sov-
ereign Individual does not agree to the "social contract,"
the Sovereign Constituents who do so agree have the option
of excluding the dissenter from their society; and the
dissenter has the option of seeking a "social contract"
more to his or her liking elsewhere.
This amicable solution depends upon two pre-existing
circumstances: a) that the "social contract" is honest,
clear, and fully comprehensible; and b) that there is a
viable "elsewhere" to which the dissenter who does not
agree to it may repair in search of a "better deal." Nei-
ther of these conditions, to our knowledge, can be met in
any "conventional society" on contemporary planet Earth.
The "social contract" governing contemporary nations,
states, and empires is so voluminous, complex, deliber-
ately obfuscated, and maliciously deceptive, that it is
incomprehensible of understanding, and is therefore
utterly unsuited to standing as the basis for agreement
among anyone; and there is nowhere one can turn to find a
"better deal." The apparent momentum of political change
in contemporary societies has been in the direction of
deliberate exacerbation of these conditions - which is
one of the primary reasons we have established the Free-
dom Digital Library, with the purpose, in large part, to
illuminate, seek, and contribute by every available means
to the creation of alternatives to "business as usual."
Given that All are One, and that each constituent stands
as a self-recognized and self-responsible Sovereign in
conscious recognition of Cosmic Law, human governance on
Earth "should" be a relatively simple matter. The primary
Cosmic Law "governing" human action - or for that matter,
the action of all beings - may be stated simply as, "Do
thy will." It is universally applicable, applies equally
to all, and no Sovereign can claim legitimate priority
over another, absent mutual agreement. The consequence in
Cosmic Law of trespass upon the sovereignty of one person
by another is war, in one form or another, and at the
scale occasioned by circumstance. War is not a viable
option among Sovereigns whose choice is peace; yet it may
be the only possible response to persistent and intransi-
gent trespass.4
5. In conclusion, the foregoing paragraphs state the scope of our
preliminary vision for the Freedom Digital Library, subject to
evolutionary development in response to experience and the
ongoing input of users of, and participants in the Library. Our
vision occurs within the context of tumultuous planetary and
social change, during the opening years of the 21st century.
"What has been" in the way of human society is in the process of
disintigration; "what will be" is in the process of invention,
discovery, gestation, and birth. The Freedom Digital Library is
our contribution to this miraculous process, in which all human-
kind, one way or another, are participants. We are inexpressibly
grateful and honored to be here.
6. About This Document:
This document is either the original, or is derived from the
original Freedom Digital Library Draft Vision Statement. It may
be reproduced, transmitted, stored, or utilized in any form, for
any purpose, by any means, including electronic, photographic, or
by any information storage and retrieval system, in original or
modified form, in whole or in part, without permission from any-
one; provided the original source of any derivative work is
acknowledged as the Freedom Digital Library, and that this sec-
tion, "About This Document," is included unchanged.
1. The word person has a legal definition, which is the meaning attached to it as the word is used in this document, to wit:
"An individual or entity possessing legal rights and duties.
"artificial person. An entity, such as a corporation, created by law and given the legal rights and duties of a human being.
"natural person. A human being, as distinguished from an artificial person created by law." [Black's Law Dictionary.]
2. "Peer, n. 1. A person who is of equal status, rank, or character with another." [Black's Law Dictionary.]
3. For further details, see the file, and associated links, on NESARA, the National Economic Security And Reformation Act.
4. There is a highly illuminating discussion of the moral / spiritual dilemma of war, as confronted by those whose choice is peace, in Chapter XI, CONFLICT, of The Gaelic Manuscripts; at a much finer granularity of consideration than is feasible in this document.
