There are basically two ways of getting things done: competition (capitalism, war) and cooperation. Competition must be regulated to prevent the weak from being abused by the powerful.
The relationship between management and labor is a good example of interaction between competition and cooperation. When management (representatives of the rich and powerful) competes with individual workers, the workers don’t stand a chance until workers cooperate and form a union.
Then management and the union have the choice of cooperating or competing to reach a settlement. If both sides understand each other’s problems and are willing to cooperate in getting them solved, an ideal outcome can be achieved.
Another is our obscene distribution of wealth, caused by inadequately regulated capitalism.
Here’s an example where cooperation works far better than capitalism.
Barn Raising
Barn raising is a traditional community event where neighbors come together to build a barn, often in rural areas. This practice, which dates back to early American history, is rooted in the need for cooperation and communal effort. In the days before mechanized construction equipment, barn raising was a way for farmers to quickly build structures necessary for storing hay, grain, and housing livestock. The work required a large group of people to be efficient, as many hands were needed to lift heavy beams, construct the frame, and secure the roof.
The event was often a celebration as well, with food, music, and socializing. It was a way to strengthen bonds within the community, as everyone contributed to a common goal. People from surrounding farms would volunteer their labor, often in exchange for similar help when needed on their own properties.
Barn raisings were often planned around the availability of materials, such as timber, and were timed to coincide with the harvest season, when the work on farms slowed down. Over time, barn raisings evolved from purely practical endeavors to more symbolic ones, representing community spirit, teamwork, and the importance of working together for a common cause. Today, barn raising remains an enduring symbol of community collaboration.
- Chat GPT