DEMOCRACY

Meer over het boek

They say we live in a democracy, but how “free” are we really? Is it enough to elect leaders while remaining passive as they govern like dictators? What value is there in choosing politicians if we lack control over media, police, or military? If we must comply with authority figures in schools and workplaces, can we truly claim to shape our own destinies? When a small group of plutocrats and corporations controls our resources, can we assert that our economies serve us? This book reveals that democracy can be more meaningful. Through engaging narratives, we explore various democratic models: Summerhill, a democratic school in England; Semco in Brazil, where workplace democracy thrives; Rojava, showcasing life in a democratic army; and Podemos in Spain, experimenting with liquid democracy. We also delve into historical examples of democracy in hunter-gatherer societies, tribal confederacies, and guilds. The book advocates for participatory budgeting, deliberative democracy, collaborative hiring, community currencies, and peer-to-peer lending. The message is clear: democracy need not be a distant ideal; we possess the tools to govern ourselves effectively.