Here is how this topic evolved. See further for links.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogui
Thanks for the book tip. I enjoy Hogan.
Reminds me of a book I read long ago, title obscured by the mists of time, where the inhabitants (nonhuman I think) had an economy of "obs" (obligations). They would do something for you very freely and generously and thereby accumulate "obs", a system of credit. It was very interesting how beings in this economy resisted having anything done for them and made every effort to do for others.
Anyone remember the book?
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nate the great
I am thinking it is a short story with human inhabitants. Do "Anti-Gand" and "MYOB" ring a bell? I don't know where I saw it.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogui
from here.
The story is here. And the novel is described here and the novel is here. I think it is legal as it is linked by Wikipedia. Guess what I'm reading next! |
OK. I read it (again).
I read the 12 chapter novel found at the link above. A Terran space vessel is traversing a sector of the galaxy with the purpose of establishing alliances with old human colonies when the come upon the world of the Gands.
This is a novel of ideas that seeks to challenge some of our social values. The Gands are followers of Gandhi who practice passive resistance, otherwise known as civil disobedience. The Terrans are hoping to rope them into an alliance but their coercive methods gain them no result. Meanwhile the crew of the starship are melting into the population because the Gand's social system is so attractive.
The novel explores the nature of freedom. What, I wonder, pops into your head when you want to offer a simple definition of freedom? Russell's ideas are inspirational. The memory of this book, however vague, remained with me over many years as a sense of excitement. Now I know why!