Chapter 1: Introduction [1]

 Prout Village, a system that replaces capitalism and socialism, is a social order where money does not exist. It is also a sustainable society.

    Wars, poverty, environmental destruction, climate change, infectious diseases, and numerous social issues continue to arise worldwide. When considering solutions to each of these problems individually, achieving a peaceful society may seem distant. However, if we realize the common underlying cause behind these problems, we can see that the solutions are actually quite simple. That underlying cause is the "monetary system," and all social problems are directly or indirectly related to money.

    For example, conflicts between nations stem from prioritizing national interests, where resources are seized and converted into money. Corruption in politics is often related to power, high salaries, and bribery, all involving money in some way. Companies must continuously generate profits by producing goods, leading to the depletion of natural resources. The issue of environmental destruction involves employees of these companies, who need to earn a living by obtaining money, even though they may be aware of the consequences. The causes of climate change and global carbon dioxide emissions are multifaceted, but the increase in economic activities, which revolves around earning money, has played a significant role. Deforestation occurs because individuals and corporations can freely purchase land and profit from it, leading to the continuous felling of trees. Overfishing and changes in ecosystems also persist because fishermen, whether legally or illegally, need to catch fish to earn a living. The problem of waste arises because companies producing items sold in supermarkets need to earn money by pleasing consumers, leading to excessive use of plastic packaging for the sake of appearance and safety. As a result, household waste increases, unburnable waste accumulates, and garbage is dumped into rivers and oceans. Electronics and other products are produced in excess to ensure immediate availability for consumers, which results in excess inventory. The issue of excessive working hours in companies arises because employees need to earn a living, compelling them to comply with overtime demands from their employers. Income inequality stems from the fact that some people are skilled at earning money while others are not, making it difficult to prevent such disparities. The persistence of theft and drug dealers is also driven by the ability to earn a living through these activities. The existence of homeless people around the world is due to the lack of money. The problems of population decline and low birth rates in Japan are concerns because a decrease in labor force leads to a decline in national competitiveness and reduced national interests and profits. The reduction in pension benefits and the collapse of the pension system are also related to money. In the event of natural disasters, money is necessary for reconstruction. The issue of infectious diseases spreads because people need to work and earn a living, which requires interaction with others.