In the previous chapter, we discussed how human behaviors and societal structures have resulted in a global “pyramid scheme” where wealth and power are concentrated at the top while the majority are left scrambling for survival. This system seems deeply entrenched in our social, economic, and political structures, which can make it feel like a daunting or even impossible task to change it. But is there anything we can do about it?
This chapter will explore potential paths for addressing the inequalities and dysfunctions of our current systems. We will consider whether change is truly possible, what mechanisms could drive it, and how individuals and societies might begin to shift toward a more equitable, sustainable future. The goal isn’t to present one definitive answer but to evaluate different approaches and examine their viability.
1. Individual vs. Systemic Change
One of the first questions we need to ask is whether change is best approached on an individual level or at the systemic level—or perhaps both simultaneously. Can personal actions create large-scale change, or is collective, system-wide reform the only way to move the needle?
- Individual Change: On an individual level, many people believe that change starts with personal responsibility and decision-making. In the context of financial freedom, for instance, individuals can work to free themselves from the systems of exploitation by becoming financially independent. This involves saving, investing, and building assets that reduce dependence on employers or the broader economy. However, the limits of individual action become apparent when we recognize that not everyone has equal access to the resources or opportunities needed to achieve financial independence. Structural inequalities mean that for many, the playing field is uneven from the start.
- Systemic Change: Systemic change, on the other hand, addresses the root causes of inequality and exploitation within our economic and political systems. This could involve reforming capitalism (or replacing it with something more beneficial to the society as a whole), creating new governance structures, or changing the rules of the game to ensure that wealth and power are distributed more equitably. However, systemic change is much harder to achieve, as it requires broad political will, mass mobilization, and often faces fierce resistance from those who benefit from the status quo.
A combined approach—where individuals work toward personal empowerment while also supporting broader systemic change—might be the most effective path forward.
2. Grassroots Movements and Collective Action
One of the most effective ways to enact systemic change is through grassroots movements and collective action. Throughout history, movements like the civil rights movement, environmental activism, and labor rights have demonstrated that when enough people come together to demand change, they can challenge entrenched systems of power.
- The Power of Collective Action: Movements that begin with ordinary people—often those most affected by injustice—can snowball into larger forces capable of influencing public opinion, legislation, and even the structure of society. Examples include the labor movements of the 19th and 20th centuries that won workers’ rights like fair wages and reasonable working hours, or environmental movements that have shifted the global conversation on climate change.
- Challenges to Collective Action: Despite the successes of past movements, organizing collective action today faces significant challenges. Political polarization, misinformation, and the sheer complexity of modern economic systems can make it difficult to mobilize people toward a common cause. Additionally, corporations and political elites often wield disproportionate influence, using their resources to resist or co-opt movements that threaten their interests.However, technological advancements, particularly the rise of social media, have also given new tools to grassroots movements. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube allow movements to spread quickly and mobilize supporters across the globe.
3. Policy and Economic Reforms
On the systemic level, meaningful change could come through political and economic reforms. Some ideas include:
- Progressive Taxation: One of the most straightforward ways to address inequality is through progressive taxation, where the wealthy pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. This can help redistribute wealth, fund social programs, and create a more level playing field. Scandinavian countries, for example, have higher tax rates for the rich, which they use to fund public services like healthcare, education, and social welfare.
- Universal Basic Income (UBI): UBI is another potential solution. Under this system, every citizen would receive a fixed, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of their employment status. This would ensure a basic standard of living for everyone and reduce the pressures of poverty. Countries like Finland and cities like Stockton, California, have already experimented with UBI pilot programs, and while results have been mixed, the idea is gaining traction in economic debates.
- Reforming Corporate Structures: Another area of reform is within the corporate world. Instead of the traditional top-down corporate hierarchies, we could promote models like worker-owned cooperatives, where employees have a stake in the company’s success and share in its profits. This could help reduce income inequality and give workers more control over their economic destinies.
4. Alternative Models for Living
Beyond political and economic reforms, some advocate for completely reimagining how we live and organize our societies. This could take the form of smaller, community-based models that focus on sustainability, cooperation, and shared resources.
- Intentional Communities and Ecovillages: One alternative model is the intentional community or ecovillage, where people come together to live according to shared values, such as environmental sustainability, self-sufficiency, and social equality. These communities often operate outside of mainstream economic structures, relying on bartering, shared resources, and local production to meet their needs.
- Basic Subsistence Economies: Some argue that instead of focusing on GDP growth and endless consumption, we should shift to an economy focused on meeting basic human needs. This would prioritize food, shelter, and healthcare for all, rather than the accumulation of wealth for a few. This model might involve more localized economies, where communities produce most of what they need and trade with neighboring communities.
- Digital Alternatives: The rise of decentralized technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies offers new possibilities for organizing economic and social systems. These technologies can enable peer-to-peer transactions without the need for traditional banks or government oversight, potentially empowering individuals and communities to bypass exploitative financial systems.
5. Changing Human Nature: Can We Overcome Our Instincts?
Finally, we must grapple with the question of whether true systemic change is possible given the constraints of human nature. As we discussed in Chapter 3, much of our current system is the result of evolved instincts—greed, tribalism, and short-term thinking—that served our ancestors well but now contribute to societal dysfunction.
Is it possible to change human nature, or at least mitigate its worst tendencies? While some believe that education, social conditioning, and technological advances can help, others argue that these instincts are too deeply ingrained.
However, we have seen throughout history that humanity is capable of profound change. The abolition of slavery, the expansion of democracy, and the recognition of human rights were all monumental shifts that required us to overcome ingrained behaviors and attitudes. It’s not unreasonable to believe that we could undergo similar transformations in the future.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Optimism
While the challenges we face are immense, the good news is that change is possible. History shows us that both individual actions and collective movements can reshape society. Whether through policy reforms, alternative models of living, or a deeper transformation of human nature, there are multiple pathways toward a more equitable and just world.
The key is to start somewhere—whether that’s by achieving personal financial freedom, joining a grassroots movement, or supporting political reforms that address inequality. Every step counts, and together, we can create the momentum needed to dismantle the pyramid scheme of power and wealth and build a society that works for everyone.
In the next chapter, we will explore a practical two-phase approach to financial freedom, and how achieving independence on a personal level can set the stage for imagining and building a financially free society for all.