Views from around the universe
Visions for this project
From early on I had this vision of a virtual universe the user can enter and then explore. A universe to get lost in. But also one that can inspire.
As a user you would start with a jump into the universe, and then you can float across the expanse and past a vast number of planets, each planet offering insights.
You could, of course, use the search function for a specific topic. Usually, several planets would have some insights to offer, and you could beam yourself to whichever planet you would want to explore first.
I still like this idea.
However, since working on The end of all wars, the idea of Make it happen stories has taken shape and has gained some priority over simply exploring and floating through the universe.
The thing is, it’s so great to escape planet Earth. It really is, forget all the people who do things you don’t understand, escape the stink, the decay, all the systemic nonsense we have burdened ourselves with.
BUT (can’t help the but), but this here, planet Earth, is our planet. And it’s not lost. We are not lost. Even though I agree that it sometimes feels like that. But we are not lost. We got a lot wrong, but we can decide to reshape the way we live on this planet, the way we do business, the way we deal with each other. And we can decide to find out what nature, and with that we, need live lives which don’t destroy: not ourselves, not our fellow humans, not our planet.
Stories can help us to create ideas, test ideas, dig deeper into what might be possible. That’s where the Make it happen stories come in.
And since we are in a total mess with our societies getting sicker, our natural world collapsing, our neighbours engaged in absurd wars, and short-sighted, uninspired, detached business people and governments eager to keep poising, polluting, destroying and exploiting in order to create more waste so that they can gain some competitive advantage which no one needs, or so that our shops are stuffed with stuff no one needs, or so that nations can continue to arm themselves against each other and show of in totally outdate power gambles.
In short: since we are in a great mess, and since we don’t have any time to lose, the virtual universe will have to wait, and I’d like to see this website become a hub for stories which make the changes we need happen – writers and co-writers are welcome, as are scientists, activists, comedians, illustrators, theatre creators and film makers.
Everything begins in the mind. Stories can open the mind to new possibilities. A story can even make something desirable which was little more than an impossible thought before.
There are a few ideas which require excellent programmers, especially for simulations. Here a quote from book 4/1, campaigns & getting started, where simulations are used in an empowerment campaign.
‘There are simulations for the future. For example, what is possible tomorrow if we empower every human today?’ ‘And what is?’ ‘According to the simulation: everything. It really got me when I saw the first of these future simulations.’
You can read the complete scene here >
Contributions from visual artists, be it paintings, graphic novels or videos are also welcome.
Allow me to take a leap. I would love to see contributions from around the universe, I mean from around the globe. And I’d love to see this website translated into every language and dialect. I also see Make it happen, Storyland, book stations or Views from around the universe centres in every corner of the planet. These centres would be places where people can come together to write stories, to discuss them, to publish them. And where people can train and explore their imagination, and where meditation can be practised. Physical tools could also be taught, like strength training, breathing & yoga. And since these centres are about stories, they could have book workshops where paper is recycled and new stories are printed. A bookshop with a cafe and so much more. Places to be, to be inspired and to inspire.
A little caution here. I am not a spiritual person, and I have a very sensitive radar when it comes to fanaticism, absolute answers, the one and only philosophy, sides, us and them, or people cults. Generally, I see the benefits of breathing, mediation and yoga, and I do so in a practical manner. Also, if you are a religious person, you might want to read planet one, the roots of war, before considering a contribution. You can find the book on the The end of all wars website.
Of course, even for new stories a budget is needed, and I welcome assistance for sourcing funds.
Charlie Alice Raya, September 2024