NB24: The Journey From Capitalism to Compassion With Compassiviste
Tarmo Virki
I help startups with story-telling and host the NatureBacked podcast I ex-Reuters
Ali Horriyat recounted his unexpected transition from managing a fund and enjoying the perks of being in the top 1% to seeking a deeper connection and purpose in life.
Despite his initial charitable efforts, he felt a growing sense of dissatisfaction and purposelessness.
In a pivotal moment, Ali Horriyat decided to take a spontaneous trip, which led him to Cuito, Ecuador. This journey marked the beginning of a profound transformation. He described the country's diverse geography and his newfound connection with nature, which was a stark contrast to his previous life immersed in finance and politics.
Listen to the full episode here:
Five Years of Reflection and Realisation
During a self-imposed five-year hiatus, Ali confronted his addiction to money and power. He shared the radical steps he took to detox from wealth, including giving away all his possessions and experiencing homelessness. This period of introspection culminated in the creation of Compassiviste , a movement rooted in compassionate activism.
The Philosophy of Compassiviste
Host Tarmo Virki inquired about the philosophy behind Compassiviste, prompting Ali to elaborate on the structure and growth of the movement. He emphasised the importance of collective action and introduced the concept of an octopus as a metaphor for the structure of the organisation, highlighting the need for a system that functions as one cohesive unit.
Art and Compassion: The Core of Change
Ali drew parallels between art and compassion, suggesting that acting on one's feelings is an expression of art. He explained the modular mind concept, using an analogy of a lion entering a store to illustrate how different situations require different responses, yet compassion should remain a constant module.
The Eight Tentacles of Change
Delving deeper into the structure of Compassiviste, Ali described the eight tentacles of the octopus, each representing an art-based avenue for involvement and tangible change. He expressed hope that these efforts would not only influence individuals but also lead to reasonable policy changes on a global scale.
Educational Initiatives and the Upcoming TV Show
One of the key initiatives is a TV show designed to educate the public on reducing carbon footprint in a relatable and practical manner.
Ali criticised the disproportionate emphasis on recycling and highlighted the significance of reducing energy consumption. He detailed the show's format, where contestants work to minimise a household's carbon footprint within a budget, thereby educating viewers on sustainable practices.
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Engaging the Public and Rethinking Consumption
Ali stressed the need to shift the focus from recycling to reducing overconsumption, which he identified as the main problem. He mentioned a partnership with a green ethical bank to provide subsidised lines of credit for individuals to make eco-friendly home improvements.
Art as a Catalyst for Environmental Education
The conversation continued with Ali emphasising the role of Compassiviste as an artistic movement that leverages various forms of art to educate people. He pointed out the gaps in the current education system, particularly in environmental education, and stressed the need for initiatives like Compassiviste to fill these voids.
Label Your Carbon: A Revolutionary Program
Ali introduced the 'Label Your Carbon' program, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to label products with their carbon footprint, akin to nutritional labels. This transparency, he argued, would empower consumers to make environmentally conscious choices and drive companies to compete for lower carbon footprints, thus harnessing the power of capitalism for environmental progress.
Capitalism, AI, and the Environment
The discussion then shifted to the broader implications of capitalism and artificial intelligence (AI) on society and the environment.?Ali critiqued the current state of capitalism, which often prioritises profit over community and environmental well-being. He envisioned a model where AI could liberate humans from redundant jobs, allowing for greater creativity and communal impact.
Democracy, Education, and Collective Action
Ali underscored the importance of education in narrowing societal divides and fostering collective action. He described Compassiviste's approach as creating a 'democracy of ideas' where the collective voice can influence policy and societal direction.
Ali concluded by reiterating the importance of combining entertainment with education to reach a wider audience. He shared his optimism for the future, noting that Compassiviste's projects, including the TV show, are set to make a significant impact by 2025.
Looking Ahead: Compassiviste's Impact and Growth
In response to the host's inquiry about Compassiviste's current reach and future impact,? Ali expressed confidence that 2025 will be a pivotal year for the movement. He highlighted the active publishing house and other assets already in place, all aimed at amplifying voices that drive meaningful change.
Redefining Publishing for a Sustainable Future
In the final segment of our conversation, Ali delved into the innovative practices of Compassiviste's publishing house, which has taken a firm stance against traditional printing. The decision not to print is multifaceted, addressing not only environmental concerns related to paper usage but also the ethical implications of bookbinding practices in developing countries.? Ali challenged the lack of transparency and fair trade in the publishing industry, advocating for the use of existing digital devices to consume literature in a more sustainable manner.
Charity with Purpose: Beyond Sustenance to Sustained Living
Ali passionately argued that true charity goes beyond mere sustenance; it should aim to eliminate suffering and elevate individuals to a life free from hardship. Compassiviste's approach is to create lasting solutions that empower people to rebuild their lives, with the ultimate goal of replicating successful models across refugee camps worldwide.
Conclusion: The Compassiviste Movement's Call to Action
As we conclude this series, Compassiviste stands out as a beacon of hope and action. With a clear vision for 2025 and beyond, Ali Horriyat and his team are poised to make a significant impact through their innovative projects and educational programs. Their work serves as a call to action for all of us to contribute to a future where sustainability, education, and empowerment are not just ideals but realities we actively shape.
Tarmo, that was a great discussion and I'm just as thrilled to put some action into compassion; discussions don't yield fruits, they are the preliminary educational step which I believe we have long passed... Much like holding seeds in our hands and talking about how great it would be to plant them and what delicious fruits we could bite into, without actually ever planting them! So, this is for every compassionate activist out there, our field is ready, bring your seeds! Love Always | Always Love
I help startups with story-telling and host the NatureBacked podcast I ex-Reuters
5 个月I was clearly fascinated :) The episode is here: https://naturebacked.com/episode/compassiviste-unveiled-starting-to-change-the-world-with-ali-horriyat