There are many practical reasons to engage in bartering as a method of transaction with your fellow human beings. But practicality is not the only allure of bartering. Bartering aligns communities with higher spiritual principles that make our world a more thoughtful, loving place to be. It brings people together and allows them to create a sense of mutual respect and trust for one another. So while bartering certainly has its practical benefits like efficiency and simplicity, it also helps make the world a better place for all humans to exist.
Not only does bartering align with a more abstract sense of making the world a better place but it also aligns with more concrete values from major religions and ways of thinking from around the world. While religions like Buddhism, Christianity and Islam certainly have their differences, they all call for us to be of service to others, to help people in need and on a very basic level, to love and serve our fellow human beings. In the bible it says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). In the Qur’an it says, “... do good - to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer ye meet…” (The Holy Qur’an, al-Nissa 4:36). And the Buddha taught that “Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.” All three of these religions, and many others, call for humans to care for one another whole heartedly. And not only do they call for caring but they also call for helping and service. Taking practical measures to make meaningful changes that align with love and service.
Alset incorporates these ideas and perspectives into its mission by encouraging people to engage in these practical measures that embody the values that make this planet a better place to exist. Bartering is a transaction method that closely aligns with these values and so it lies at the core of our platform. Bartering calls for everyone to care for one another in a practical way. Not just in thought and word but also in deed. And while service simply for the sake of service is a righteous act, bartering also ensures that we are receiving what we need in return for what we give. In this way, a sustainable cycle can be created that raises communities above simple survival and to a level of love and compassion.
Whether you’re a follower of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, or any other religion, Alset hopes to help you align your ideals with the way you live your day to day life. And even if you are an atheist or simply someone who doesn't subscribe to religion, making the world a better place is a cause that we can all get behind, regardless of where it might originate. All of the small actions we take everyday accumulate into what we know the world to be so it is important that we are as aware of what we are creating as we create it. Bartering is a method of transaction that allows both parties to co-create the type of relationship and community that they desire and so it is an ideal form of transaction. We hope you will join us on this mission to cultivate a more loving and compassionate world.
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Mark 22:39)
Download the App and Join the Community! See you there!
Alset
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us through our contact page here: Contact
This post was written by Rc Diedrich. You can contact him at rcdiedrich@gmail.com.