In 2020 the collective rules.....

Minimalists live, survive, and thrive outside the rule of the collective.

The collaborative system.

In 2020 the collective rules and thus the individual faces multiple challenges. To exist as a independent being while living and working inside a collaborative system in 2020 is the real challenge for minimalists [see photo].

The collaborative system is the operating mechanism for the 2020 collective organisations that rule the world today. Collaboration is globally accepted as the mantra for a networked organisation. It is networked for data and information which enables a decentralised system of controls for day-to-day operations. However. The cultural command of any collaborative system is often dictated to majority through a vocal and inspired minority.

Collaboration is a ruse. Here is how it works. Teams are created to form a "group think" module which shapes the culture. The thinking in these teams is based on memes with a narrative that the vocal few use to control their colleagues. Examples are everywhere. Here are a few. "Diversity and inclusion" is pumped out by the Human Resources team. "Black lives matter" is the shout-out in the advertisements for your product, service, or company.

"Hate speech is a crime" is the banner used to silence or cancel those team members who do not sing the psalm as dictated by the minority in control of corporate culture.

If you can survive and thrive in a workplace that depends upon a collaborative system to do what must be done then you are part of a tribe. Tribes are controlled by a small group who determine what constitute an existential threat to the members of your mob. There are taboos, rules, memes, and cognitive maps that limit thoughts, habits, and beliefs of tribal members in ways that covert these entities into full-blown cults.

The antidote to becoming a cult member in your workplace, home, or community is to become a minimalist. In sum that means establishing your version of minimal-you as you cull your collective wants in favour of your individual needs, habits, and beliefs.

Richard.