Intelligent Communities: Beyond Philosophizing and Farming

Are there any communes for the intelligentsia? This question touches upon an important aspect of intentional communities and the evolving nature of these societal structures. In an era where higher education has become increasingly prevalent, one might assume that the intelligentsia would naturally gravitate towards such communities. However, the reality is more complex.

Highly Educated Communitarians

When visiting intentional communities or communes, one is likely to encounter individuals who hold college degrees or even advanced academic qualifications. These communities, which often emphasize shared values, self-sufficiency, and often a deeper philosophical or spiritual purpose, are indeed populated by a highly educated populace. It is not uncommon to find intellectuals, artists, engineers, and other academically inclined individuals among their members.

Practical Needs of Communes

Despite the intellectual nature of many communitarians, successful communes often require a different set of skills. The core activities necessary for the sustainability and functioning of a commune often include:

Craftsmanship and Construction: Skilled contractors, plumbers, electricians, and builders are essential for maintaining and expanding communal infrastructure. Agribusiness and Farming: Farmers and gardeners are crucial for ensuring the community's food supply and sustainability. Entrepreneurship and Earnings: Individuals who can generate external income are vital for the financial stability of the community. Healthcare and Wellness: Medical professionals and healthcare workers can help maintain the health and wellbeing of the community.

Communes must be able to support themselves through various means, addressing functional needs such as housing, feeding, and healthcare. The pursuit of low-cost, low-effort solutions, such as simply farming low-value crops, often proves insufficient for sustaining a community.

Historical Examples: Fruitlands and Transcendentalism

The history of intentional communities is illustrative of the challenges and lessons learned. One such example is the Fruitlands community, founded by Bronson Alcott, the father of Louisa May Alcott, in the mid-19th century. This community attempted to blend Transcendentalist philosophy and Shaker-like communal living. Unfortunately, the members quickly discovered that:

Philosophizing and teaching alone did not provide for the basic needs of the community. Farming, seen as a noble and fulfilling pursuit, turned out to be demanding and difficult work. The community struggled to survive due to the practical challenges they faced.

These historical examples underscore the need for practical, sustainable strategies to support communal living. While philosophical inquiry and intellectual pursuits are important, the day-to-day needs of a functioning community must be met through practical and economic means.

Modern Considerations for Intentional Communities

Today, successful intentional communities blend intellectual exploration with practical, economically sustainable activities. This might include:

Entrepreneurial Efforts: Starting small businesses, startups, or sharing economies can provide necessary income. Tech Innovation: Communes with tech-savvy members can develop digital products or services. Organic Farming and Agribusiness: Focusing on high-value crops or value-added products can be more sustainable. Professional Services: Members with professional skills can offer consulting, teaching, or other services.

By balancing intellectual pursuits with practical, economically viable activities, modern communes can thrive and support their members effectively.