The Rabbit’s Offering
One upon a time a rabbit told the Earth that it would withhold his manure from the Earth. He would hold it in — not letting new soil to…
One upon a time a rabbit told the Earth that it would withhold his manure from the Earth. He would hold it in — not letting new soil to form and seeds to propagate until he had made some more profit than mere digestion.
“That is fine,” Said the Earth calmly. “So long as you know that to whomever you do give your offering — it will eventually return it to me.
.. Since it was my promise that you carry on the path.“
The myth of the rabbit’s offering (coprophagy) serves as a parable about the cyclical nature of resources and the interconnectedness of all things. The rabbit, by withholding his manure, believes he can gain more profit. However, the Earth reminds him that everything eventually returns to its source. This story underscores the idea that no matter how much one tries to control or monopolize a resource, it will eventually benefit the collective.
PATH License: The PATH (Public Awareness & Transparent Heritage) License is based on the principles of transparency, heritage, and the shared nature of resources. It emphasizes that resources, knowledge, or contributions should be made available to the public, ensuring that they are not monopolized or hidden away. Just as the Earth in the myth reminds the rabbit that all resources will eventually return to the collective, the PATH License promotes the idea that knowledge and resources should be accessible and benefit all.
The Tomato Farmer
Imagine a farmer who discovers a unique way to grow tomatoes that are twice as juicy and flavorful as regular ones. Instead of keeping this method a secret to profit from it exclusively, the farmer decides to share it under the PATH License.
By doing so, other farmers can also grow these delicious tomatoes. Over time, the method spreads, leading to a general improvement in tomato quality everywhere. Consumers benefit from tastier tomatoes, and farmers benefit from the shared knowledge.
However, those who use the seeds and method must also share any improvements or modifications they make under the same PATH License. So, if another farmer finds a way to make the tomatoes even juicier or grow faster using the original method, they too must share this knowledge.
This tomato example, like the myth of the rabbit, emphasizes the cyclical nature of sharing and the idea that when resources and knowledge are shared, the entire community benefits. The PATH License, in this context, ensures that innovations and resources remain in the public domain, enriching everyone just as the Earth is enriched by the return of resources.
The Myth: Excessive Profit Incentives are Necessary for Innovation
This myth — that rent seeking is NEEDED is extremely pervasive and part of the Common justifications for Class Discrimination.
Here is a list of easy arguments to dis-spell the myth:
1. Historical Precedence: Throughout history, many inventors and creators produced groundbreaking work without the promise of excessive profit. Their motivations ranged from personal satisfaction, societal benefit, academic recognition, or simply the joy of creation.
2. Open Source Movement: The success of the open-source software and broader Knowledge Commons movement is a testament to the fact that innovation can thrive without enclosure and pure monetary incentives. Many world-class software tools and platforms are available for free, developed by communities that believe in collaboration over competition — this includes the software of Grassroots Economics Foundation.
3. Inherent Value of Creation: Many creators find intrinsic value in the act of creation itself. The satisfaction derived from solving a problem, creating art, or advancing knowledge can be a powerful motivator, independent of financial gain.
4. Stifling Innovation: Excessive profit incentives can sometimes stifle innovation. When IP is locked behind high paywalls or restrictive licenses, it can prevent others from building upon that work, slowing down the pace of innovation.
PATH and Intellectual Property
The PATH (Public Awareness & Transparent Heritage) model promotes a more open approach to IP. Under PATH:
1. Freedom to Develop: Innovators are free to develop new ideas, products, or methods. The emphasis is on transparency and heritage, ensuring that the origins and developments are clear and acknowledged.
2. Exchange Offerings: While the foundational knowledge or method is shared openly, individuals and businesses can still develop unique offerings based on that knowledge and exchange or sell them. For instance, while a software code might be open-source, a company can offer specialized services, support, or customizations for a fee. You are free on a PATH license to utilize your offering and exchange services with others. That there may be profit here or a transfer of wealth is allowed — as long as the Recipient can do the same.
3. Collaborative Growth: With the shared foundation, multiple entities can collaboratively improve upon the original work, leading to rapid advancements and diverse applications.
4. Reducing Redundancy: When knowledge is openly available, it reduces the chances of multiple entities working in silos, duplicating efforts. This leads to more efficient use of resources and faster innovation.
The myth that excessive profit incentives and rent seeking are essential for IP or Innovation doesn’t hold up when examined closely. The PATH model offers a balanced heritage based approach, allowing for open collaboration and innovation while still providing avenues for profit through unique offerings and services. It recognizes that while monetary incentives can be motivating, they are not the sole drivers of innovation and progress. Hiding and secrecy, enclosure and ownership are not on the PATH.
The PATH license is under development and builds on a vast history of mutual aid, decentralization and non-dominance. Welcome to take part in discussions here: https://discord.gg/gdg5ZcUvme