Sharing

Assume it's just after the pole shift. You and your small group of loved-ones have survived. You have a store of food to keep you going until you can rebuild your settlement and secure food sources. To what extent, in this difficult time, do you help other survivors in your vicinity that are less well-prepared? How long do you continue to take people in, when every extra mouth diminishes your food supply and deprives you of time to set up sustainable living? When, if ever, do you stop serving others, and concentrate on serving yourself and your group?

Two extremes: you help others unreservedly, putting your group at risk of starvation, or you hunker down, jealously guarding your stores for three months, waiting until the issue of helping survivors matters no longer as they have all died of starvation. You emerge to carry on, facing less competition for scarce food resources. Is there a balance to be found between these two extremes?

Offered by Euan.

I think the only possible way out is to find that balance, no matter how hard it may seem to be. One important factor may be to locate your survival site at a not too central location, so that you will not be found by that many people. Secondly, take in only those that:

1. can contribute at least as much as they consume,
2. need a place where they can die in peace (without prolonging their lives unnecessary)
3. those few that your heart says to take in, and finally
4. those that you believe our benevolent friends have sent for the benefit of the group.

Thirdly, in the initial critical stage, do not lose control over your site. Maintain a strong leadership until the situation becomes better, and the critical survival stage is passed. (Not very democratic, but you just cannot afford democracy at this stage.) Bottom line: Do as much as you can for as many as possible without jeopardizing the survival of others.

Offered by Jan.