The Garden and the village living concept share some core similarities but differ significantly in key areas: Similarities: - Focus on self-sustainability and reduced dependence on external systems - Emphasis on communal decision-making and shared resources - Rejection of conventional social/economic structures - Integration of new members through structured processes - Goal of creating alternative lifestyles outside mainstream society | Aspect | The Garden | Village Living | | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Organizational Structure | Informal, personality-driven | Clear processes, distributed expertise-based authority | | Economic Model | Isolationist, minimal external engagement | Balanced internal/external economy, structured surplus management | | Infrastructure | Basic off-grid systems | Comprehensive planned infrastructure, professional facilities | | Scale | 22 acres, undefined population | 500-1000 people, defined resource metrics | | Rights/Responsibilities | Loose/informal expectations | Clearly defined rights and duties (housing, healthcare, work hours) | | Professional Integration | Minimal external engagement | Maintains professional capabilities, allows external work | | Governance | Informal consensus | Structured democratic processes with expertise-driven implementation | | Sustainability Planning | Ad hoc approach | Long-term viability focus with defined metrics | | Resource Management | Basic self-sufficiency | Comprehensive production/distribution systems | | Member Integration | 10-day initiation period | Phased integration with skill development focus | | Knowledge Management | Informal sharing | Structured skill-sharing and documentation systems | | External Relations | Minimal/defensive | Planned engagement with broader society |