What is Society 4.0?
In Society 4.0 the interests of citizens form the starting point of building the society:
Regions form the basis of the future citizens society, as several technological developments enable the decentral production of most primary human necessities – from energy and food to health and education. The economies of scale, crucial for mass production in the industrial society, becomes less relevant and therefor also in the future society. The foundations of our future society need to be re-built from the basic needs of citizens. Cooperation Society 4.0 supports initiatives that help the re-building of regions by inspiration, knowledge exchange, networking, expertise, action plans and concrete solutions and – if possible – financial support.
Book summary “SOCIETY 4.0″Resolving eight key issues to build a citizens society:
The book SOCIETY 4.0: Resolving eight key issues to build a citizens society is meant to provide inspiration for people who want to build a vital and hopeful future for the next generations. In his vision for a different and better society, Bob de Wit explores the possibilities of new technologies, investigates “weak signals”, and evaluates numerous new societal initiatives and future visions. Bob de Wit hopes to inspire readers to join his initiative to build a “citizens society”. Bob has opened the website Society4th.org to form a community of active citizens and build a citizens society for the future.
Introduction:
In the introduction, de Wit argues that the world is at a turning point. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the rise of artificial intelligence, robotics, and other new technologies, is creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges. De Wit believes that these technologies have the potential to create a better world, but only if they are used responsibly and ethically.
Eight key issues:
The book then goes on to explore eight key issues that need to be addressed in order to build a citizens society. These issues are:
- Developing a new social contract: Create a new social contract that reflects the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This social contract should ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the new economy.
- Creating new forms of democratic participation: Encourage and support new forms of democratic participation that allow everyone to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. This could include online voting, participatory budgeting, and community councils.
- Investing in education and skills development: Invest in education and skills development to prepare people for the jobs of the future. This includes providing access to quality education for all, as well as training and retraining programs for adults.
- Reducing inequality and poverty: Reduce inequality and poverty to create a more just and equitable society. This includes raising the minimum wage, investing in social safety nets, and creating more opportunities for economic mobility.
- Protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability: Protect the environment and ensure that our planet is sustainable for future generations. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices.
- Improving health and well-being: Improve health and well-being to create a society that is healthy and well-being for everyone. This includes providing access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing disease.
- Promoting peace and security: Promote peace and security to create a more peaceful and secure world. This includes addressing the root causes of conflict, supporting diplomacy and mediation, and investing in peacekeeping and conflict prevention.
- Governance and institutions: Create a more democratic, accountable, and effective system of governance. This includes reforming political systems, strengthening civil society, and promoting transparency and accountability.
Conclusion:
In the conclusion, de Wit calls on readers to join him in building a citizens society. He believes that we can create a better future for everyone if we work together to address these key issues.
Dear members of New-Amsterdam (NA),
I hope this message reaches you all in good spirits. Firstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to those who contributed to leading the Community meeting of Nieuw-Amsterdam at the Alchemist Garden in Amsterdam. Your support and dedication turned this gathering into a passionate, engaging, and well-attended event.
I had sent an invitation for this meeting via WhatsApp:
“Dear all, I would like to invite you to the New Amsterdam (NA) meeting on Sunday, December 17, at our store. This meeting will take place at the Alchemist Garden and is organized by the Amsterdam branch of Society 4.0 ( www.Society4th.org ). I would greatly appreciate it if you could support me in this. Additionally, I encourage you to participate in this emerging concept so that we can collaborate on shaping a new flourishing New Society together.”
I understand that it may not have been possible for some to attend, and that is completely understandable. For those who were present, thank you for your attendance!
Reflecting on the meeting,
I want to share my personal experience. Three Angels (I won’t mention names) of New-Amsterdam kindly but somewhat urgently asked me to focus more on specific topics and discussions within the Signal New Amsterdam Chat in the future. They emphasized the importance of identifying issues and providing answers or solutions instead of posting random messages (you can find and read those topics here). It appeared that many NA members raised their eyebrows at my previous approach, and perhaps the strangest part was that I never responded to anyone’s comments; my apologies for that!
This gave rise to suspicion that I might be a ChatBot, hehe. Well, they are somewhat correct because I do use ChatGPT & Google Bard to assist me in my writing and translation since I have dyslexia.
I acknowledge that my use of the NA chat was similar to other social media platforms such as my Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and LinkedIn, etc. However, I now understand that this community is unique and deserves special attention, the same as my work chat on Telegram. I am committed to taking the time to meditate on relevant topics so that I can contribute valuable and substantive insights to the discussions.
My goal is to position New Amsterdam as the most flourishing municipality among those belonging to Society 4.0. In this pursuit, I aim to learn from the success of Friesland, known for its well-organized structure and society.
On the date 18-12-2023, I ordered the book “Society 4.0” by author Bob De Wit. I will discuss this to see if we can integrate it with our own Master Thesis on the Alchemist Garden and its holistic contribution to the world. The Master Thesis, titled “The Case of Alchemist Garden (AG): Uncovering a Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Level View on Sustainability in Practice,” authored by Sociologist Lina Krijger, can be viewed by those interested at the following link: https://scripties.uba.uva.nl/search?id=c8626263
Abstract AG thesis:
In recent decades, ‘sustainability’ became a central theme in societal discourses: a concept used by many governments, businesses, institutions and organizations. However, previous research showed that concepts such as ’sustainability’, ‘sustainable lifestyle’ or ‘sustainable consumption’, are often unclear, multi-interpretable and diversified in many directions. What is needed is a multi-dimensional understanding of the interdependence between social and natural systems, based on collaborations between scientists and people from the field. This research uses the Grounded Theory Approach to explore the phenomenon of Alchemist Garden: a multi-functional space in an urban environment with an emphasis on vitality, health and sustainability. A place that combines a raw-food restaurant, a whole food shop and a community facility. Through ethnographic fieldwork this research attempts to uncover the social scenario of Alchemist Garden and to understand how a multi-level and multi-dimensional view on sustainability is made in practice in this specific institution. It reviews the construction of sustainability, the social dimension of sustainability and the interplay between self and community. The analysed documents, observant participations and in-depth interviews reveal how this place can be seen as an experimental place; constantly testing and integrating its own vision. On a day-to-day basis Alchemist Garden transitions more and more from a one-man business towards a self-organizing community. People involved have the opportunity to experiment with various ways of cooperating, such as unconditional exchange and self-organization. At the same time, the data reveal the challenges it can bring for people to practice the values based on this multi-dimensional framework. Particularly while still being a part of a neo-liberal capitalistic system. Overall, this research explores and confirms the potential of the community level in uncovering alternative roads towards a sustainable society that focuses on both generation and regeneration on personal, social and environmental levels.
Here is my summary of the thesis “‘Inspired by nature’: The Case of Alchemist Garden: Uncovering a Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Level View on Sustainability in Practice” by Lina Krijger:
In her thesis, Lina Krijger explores the concept of sustainability through the lens of the Alchemist Garden, an urban permaculture project in Amsterdam. She argues that the garden embodies a multi-dimensional and multi-level approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Lina Krijger examines the ways in which the Alchemist Garden promotes sustainability through its practices, such as:
- Reducing waste and reusing materials: The Alchemist Garden diverts food scraps and other organic waste from landfills, and it uses recycled materials for its structures and infrastructure.
- Conserving water: The Alchemist Garden implements rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems to minimize water consumption.
- Growing food locally: The Alchemist Garden produces fresh, organic produce for local consumption, reducing reliance on long-distance food transportation.
- Providing education and community engagement: The Alchemist Garden offers workshops and educational programs on permaculture and sustainable living, and it hosts events that foster social connections and community building.
Lina Krijger also explores the broader social and economic impacts of the Alchemist Garden, such as:
- Creating jobs and supporting local businesses: The Alchemist Garden provides employment opportunities for local residents and supports businesses that supply it with materials and services.
- Promoting social cohesion and community well-being: The Alchemist Garden serves as a hub for social interaction and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among residents.
- Contributing to urban revitalization: The Alchemist Garden revitalizes underutilized urban spaces and transforms them into vibrant community spaces.
Through her in-depth analysis of the Alchemist Garden, Lina Krijger demonstrates that sustainability can be achieved through a holistic approach that encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions. She argues that the garden’s multi-dimensional and multi-level approach provides a model for sustainable living in urban environments.
The thesis concludes by reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of scaling up the Alchemist Garden model to achieve wider societal change. Lina Krijger emphasizes the need for collaboration, policy support, and community engagement to create a more sustainable future.
I have also decided to keep a blog about the comparison between New Amsterdam and Leeuwarden on various fronts. This blog will be available at www.NewSociety4th.com to maintain an overview and provide transparency to the community.
However, I need your help. Could you please let me know in which areas you think New Amsterdam is falling behind Leeuwarden and why? Your insights are invaluable and will contribute to a fair and constructive comparison.
I look forward to your contributions and ideas. Let’s strive together for a flourishing future for New Amsterdam and our country as a whole.
Namasté,
Diplomat Kukulkan serves as the Prophet of the United Universe Church: United Universe Church . And a Maya Elder (a.k.a. spiritual holistic wellness coach) at his Galaxy Academy: Galaxy Academy . And Meditation Guru @ United Universe Church Galaxy Academy: www.UUCGA.com . For further contact, please reach out via WhatsApp: +31622322749
P.S. Don’t forget to party in love and light always have the best day ever! See you in another now…
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