''bolo'bolo'' is a 1983 book by P.M., a
pseudonym
A pseudonym (; ) or alias () is a fictitious name that a person assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true meaning ( orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individual's o ...
for Hans Widmer, in which he outlines a plan for
utopia
A utopia ( ) typically describes an imagined community or society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its members. It was coined by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book ''Utopia (book), Utopia'', which describes a fictiona ...
.
Synopsis
The opening of ''bolo'bolo'' describes and criticizes the current world, called the Planetary Work Machine, which the work describes as based on domination and has resulted in the despoiling of the natural world. He describes the Machine as decentrally orchestrated by corporations and government (and their representatives) who each independently increase their control over others, quashing resistance and the viability of alternative systems. He advocated the undermining of the system via subversion and construction ("substruction"). It then presents a plan and a
future history
A future history, imaginary history or anticipatory history is a fictional conjecture of the future used by authors of science fiction and other speculative fiction to construct a common background for stories. Sometimes the author publishes a t ...
in which humanity transitions into the ''bolo'' system.
The remainder of the work describes the theoretical future social order and defines terms. A "bolo" is an intentional community formed of about 500 "ibus", or individual egos. The intentional community is described through its lifestyle ("nima"), hospitality ("sila"), and agrarian self-sufficiency ("kodu"), among other traits. Multiple intentional communities together form a socioeconomic network known as "bolo'bolo". The communities trade with
gifts
A gift or present is an item given to someone (who is not already the owner) without the expectation of payment or anything in return. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is intended to be free. In many cou ...
,
barter
In trade, barter (derived from ''bareter'') is a system of exchange (economics), exchange in which participants in a financial transaction, transaction directly exchange good (economics), goods or service (economics), services for other goods ...
, and, possibly, markets.
''bolo'bolo'' approach is
anti-work
Critique of work or critique of labour is the critique of, or wish to abolish, Work (human activity), work ''as such'', and to critique what the critics of works deem wage slavery.
Critique of work can be Existentialism, existential, and focus ...
, anti-state, and was written to be practiced.
History
''bolo'bolo'' was first published in 1983 in Switzerland. The book received multiple translations and reprints.
It developed a
cult following
A cult following is a group of fans who are highly dedicated to a person, idea, object, movement, or work, often an artist, in particular a performing artist, or an artwork in some medium. The latter is often called a cult classic. A film, boo ...
among European anarchists.
References
Further reading
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External links
French editionEnglish edition
1983 non-fiction books
Criticism of work
Utopian fiction
{{Anarchism-book-stub