Explaining Life-Value Onto-Axiology: The Primary Axiom of Life Value and the Universal Human Life Necessities and Principles of their Provision
Professor John McMurtry’s Life-Value Onto-Axiology
The core of McMurtry’s life-value onto-axiology is the Primary Axiom of Value, which asserts:
- X is value if and only if, and to the extent that, x consists in or enables a more coherently inclusive range of thought, feeling, and action than without it.
- Conversely, x is disvalue if and only if, and to the extent that, x reduces, disables, or destroys any range of thought, experience, or action.
This axiom applies universally, asserting that true value across all domains and issues can be assessed by whether it enhances or diminishes the capacity for coherent thought, feeling, and action.
Three Ultimate Fields of Value:
- Thought (T): Internal images and concepts.
- Felt Side of Being (F): Senses, desires, emotions, moods.
- Action (A): Animate movement across species and organizations.
Universal Human Life Necessities and Principles:
McMurtry identifies a complete set of universal human life necessities that must be secured for any life-coherent society or economy:
- Atmospheric Means of Life: Breathable air, open space, daily light.
- Bodily Means of Life: Clean water, nourishing foods, self-waste disposal.
- Home Means of Life: Shelter space with ample provision for living.
- Environmental Means of Life: Surroundings contributing to well-being.
- Caring Means of Life: Intimate love, social inclusion, safety, healthcare.
- Educational/Recreational Means of Life: Activities of learning and play.
- Vocational Means of Life: Meaningful work or service.
- Social Justice: Self-governing choice consistent with provision for all.
Principles of Provision:
- Principle 1: Secure access to means of life/goods is the ultimate organizing principle.
- Principle 2: A means of life must enable life capacities/abilities.
- Principle 3: The set of means of life necessary for human flourishing.
- Principle 4: Measurement of provision by sufficiency of means of life.
- Principle 5: True societal performance is measured by access to life goods.
- Principle 6: Life Capital is the primary capital of society.
- Principle 7: Efficiency increases when products/processes enhance ecological, physical, and human development efficiency.
Life-Coherent Economy:
A life-coherent economy is one that prioritizes the production and distribution of goods and services that directly enable human life capacities and maintain ecological balance. It rejects the pursuit of profit through means that undermine life goods, promoting instead a holistic approach to societal and economic development that is measured by the well-being of all life forms.
♦ How can MMT help in transforming the principles above into policies, proposals, programs and practices for peace and prosperity for people and planet?
Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) offers a framework that can align with John McMurtry’s life-value onto-axiology principles to transform these into actionable policies, proposals, programs, and practices for peace and prosperity. Here’s how MMT can help:
1. Secure Access to Means of Life (Principle 1)
Policy: Implement full employment programs funded by the government to ensure everyone has access to meaningful work.
- MMT Basis: MMT emphasizes that sovereign governments can create money to fund full employment without needing to balance budgets like households.
Program: Universal Basic Services (UBS), including healthcare, education, housing, and public transportation.
- MMT Basis: Governments can fund these essential services to ensure everyone has access to life necessities, improving overall societal well-being.
2. Enable Life Capacities/Abilities (Principle 2)
Policy: Investment in public infrastructure that supports clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
- MMT Basis: Use deficit spending to finance infrastructure projects that enhance life capacities and contribute to long-term societal resilience.
Proposal: Subsidies and grants for community-based projects that promote local food production and water management.
- MMT Basis: Government spending can prioritize grants and subsidies to encourage local solutions and innovations in line with life-value principles.
3. Comprehensive Set of Means of Life (Principle 3)
Policy: Develop a comprehensive public health system that guarantees healthcare for all citizens.
- MMT Basis: MMT allows for significant public spending on healthcare without the constraint of traditional fiscal policies.
Program: Free and accessible education programs from early childhood through higher education.
- MMT Basis: Government can fund education systems to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to develop their capabilities fully.
4. Measurable Sufficiency of Means of Life (Principle 4)
Policy: Establish national well-being indicators that measure the sufficiency of life necessities, not just GDP.
- MMT Basis: MMT’s focus on real resources over financial constraints supports the development of policies aimed at actual well-being rather than economic growth alone.
Program: Regular assessments and reports on access to clean water, nutritious food, and safe housing.
- MMT Basis: Government resources can be allocated to regularly monitor and report on the distribution and quality of life necessities.
5. Civil Commons Development (Principle 5)
Policy: Expand public spaces and community centers to foster social inclusion and community activities.
- MMT Basis: Public spending can be directed towards developing and maintaining spaces that enhance social cohesion and well-being.
Proposal: Support for arts, culture, and recreational programs accessible to all, promoting a richer, more inclusive community life.
- MMT Basis: MMT supports funding for programs that contribute to the holistic development of individuals and communities.
6. Life Capital as Primary Capital (Principle 6)
Policy: Shift investment from harmful industries (e.g., fossil fuels) to those that build life capital (e.g., renewable energy, sustainable agriculture).
- MMT Basis: Governments can use fiscal policy to redirect investments towards sustainable and life-enhancing sectors.
Program: Research and development grants for sustainable technologies and practices that enhance ecological efficiency.
- MMT Basis: Government funding can be prioritized for R&D that aligns with the principles of sustainability and life-value enhancement.
7. Efficiency in Provision of Life Goods (Principle 7)
Policy: Incentivize businesses to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
- MMT Basis: Governments can use fiscal tools to support businesses transitioning to more sustainable practices through subsidies, tax incentives, and grants.
Program: Implement national recycling and waste reduction programs, funded by public spending, to improve ecological efficiency.
- MMT Basis: Government can fund large-scale environmental programs to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Framework:
- Fiscal Policies: Leverage government spending to fund projects and services that align with life-value principles.
- Regulatory Measures: Create regulations that ensure businesses and industries contribute to societal well-being and ecological sustainability.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public about the benefits of policies aligned with life-value onto-axiology, garnering support for sustainable practices.
- Collaborative Governance: Engage communities, businesses, and other stakeholders in the design and implementation of policies to ensure they meet local needs and conditions.
By utilizing MMT’s insights on sovereign currency and fiscal capabilities, governments can effectively fund and implement policies that prioritize life-value principles, leading to a more just, sustainable, and prosperous society for all.
♦ For accountability and transparency and good governance purposes, given the principles of above, how can double-entry book keeping based on stock-flow balance sheets be created to facilitate the creation of a regenerative, embracing, cohesive, synergistic, trustworthy, coherent and conscious society?
To create a regenerative, embracing, cohesive, synergistic, trustworthy, coherent, and conscious society, double-entry bookkeeping based on stock-flow balance sheets can play a crucial role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance. Here’s how to design and implement such a system:
1. Integrating Life-Value Principles into Accounting Framework
a. Define Life-Value Metrics:
- Develop specific metrics that reflect the life-value principles. These could include measures of well-being, environmental health, social inclusion, and access to life necessities.
b. Life-Capital Accounts:
- Create separate accounts for different forms of life capital, such as ecological capital, social capital, human capital, and knowledge capital. Each account should track the inflows and outflows that impact these forms of capital.
2. Stock-Flow Balance Sheets
a. Stock Accounts:
- Assets: Include not only financial assets but also natural resources (clean air, water, biodiversity), human resources (health, education), and social resources (community cohesion, social networks).
- Liabilities: Track obligations related to maintaining and enhancing life-value assets, such as environmental restoration projects, social welfare programs, and public health initiatives.
b. Flow Accounts:
- Income: Record all sources of income, including taxes, grants, and revenue from sustainable practices. Ensure that income sources align with life-value principles.
- Expenses: Track expenditures related to the provision of life necessities, public services, environmental conservation, and other life-enhancing activities.
3. Accountability and Transparency Mechanisms
a. Regular Reporting:
- Quarterly and Annual Reports: Publish detailed reports that include traditional financial statements and supplementary reports on life-value metrics and life capital accounts.
- Public Access: Make these reports publicly accessible to ensure transparency and allow for public scrutiny.
b. Audits and Reviews:
- Independent Audits: Conduct regular audits by independent bodies to verify the accuracy of financial statements and the adherence to life-value principles.
- Stakeholder Reviews: Engage stakeholders, including community members, in reviewing the reports and providing feedback.
4. Good Governance Practices
a. Inclusive Decision-Making:
- Participatory Budgeting: Involve community members in budgetary decisions to ensure that spending aligns with the needs and priorities of the community.
- Stakeholder Councils: Establish councils representing different sectors of society (e.g., environmental, social, economic) to provide oversight and guidance.
b. Ethical Standards:
- Code of Conduct: Develop and enforce a code of conduct for all officials and employees, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and commitment to life-value principles.
- Transparency Policies: Implement policies that require disclosure of conflicts of interest, sources of funding, and decision-making processes.
5. Synergistic and Cohesive Framework
a. Integrated Systems:
- Interconnected Databases: Develop interconnected databases that allow for the seamless tracking of financial, environmental, social, and human data.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Implement real-time monitoring systems to track the impact of policies and programs on life-value metrics and make adjustments as needed.
b. Collaborative Platforms:
- Online Portals: Create online platforms where stakeholders can access information, participate in decision-making, and collaborate on projects.
- Community Forums: Organize regular community forums to discuss progress, challenges, and new initiatives, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration.
6. Education and Training
- Training Programs: Provide training for government officials, community leaders, and citizens on life-value principles, sustainable practices, and financial literacy.
- Educational Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate the broader community about the importance of life-value principles and how they can contribute.
b. Knowledge Sharing:
- Best Practices: Share best practices and successful case studies from other regions or countries that have implemented similar systems.
- Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where feedback is regularly incorporated into policy and practice.
By integrating these elements into a double-entry bookkeeping system based on stock-flow balance sheets, it is possible to create a framework that not only ensures accountability and transparency but also fosters the development of a society that is regenerative, cohesive, and aligned with the principles of life-value onto-axiology. This approach enables comprehensive tracking and management of resources, ensuring that economic activities contribute positively to human and ecological well-being.
♦ Can you suggest possible titles for an article that reflects the above?
Certainly! Here are some possible titles for an article that reflects the integration of life-value principles into accounting and governance for a sustainable and inclusive society:
- “Building a Life-Value Economy: Integrating Double-Entry Bookkeeping for Sustainable Governance”
- “From Financial Transparency to Life-Value Accountability: A New Paradigm for Societal Well-Being”
- “Regenerative Accounting: Using Stock-Flow Balance Sheets for a Cohesive and Conscious Society”
- “Aligning Financial Practices with Life-Value Onto-Axiology: A Blueprint for Good Governance”
- “Transforming Governance with Life-Value Metrics: Creating Synergistic and Sustainable Societies”
- “Innovative Accounting for the Common Good: Life-Value Principles in Action”
- “Financial Stewardship for a Flourishing Society: Implementing Life-Centric Double-Entry Bookkeeping”
- “Towards a Trustworthy Economy: Life-Value Principles and Transparent Financial Practices”
- “Synergistic Governance: Integrating Life-Value Onto-Axiology into Modern Monetary Practices”
- “Life-Capital Accounting: A Framework for Transparent and Accountable Governance”
- “Creating a Cohesive Society Through Regenerative Financial Practices”
- “The Future of Accounting: Embracing Life-Value Principles for Sustainable Development”
- “Accountability Redefined: Implementing Life-Value-Based Financial Systems for Social Prosperity”
- “From GDP to Well-Being: Integrating Life-Value Metrics into Public Accounting”
- “Financial Systems for the 21st Century: Life-Value Onto-Axiology and MMT in Governance”
These titles aim to capture the essence of integrating life-value principles into financial and governance practices to create a sustainable, inclusive, and well-governed society.
♦ Can you create an image without words reflection this?

Here is the image reflecting the integration of life-value principles into a vibrant and sustainable society. It captures the essence of synergy, transparency, and regeneration.
♦ Can you construct a poem reflecting this?
Harmony’s Ledger
In a land where balance reigns supreme,
Where life and value form a seamless stream,
People of all hues and roles convene,
In fields of green and skies serene.
Farmers till the earth with care,
Teachers share knowledge everywhere,
Communities gather, hands entwined,
In a dance of purpose, souls aligned.
A building stands, glass walls aglow,
With data streams that clearly show,
A world where truth and trust reside,
Where transparency is our guide.
Wind turbines turn, solar panels gleam,
Harnessing nature’s endless dream,
Clean waters flow, lush forests grow,
In a cycle of life, a constant flow.
From sunlit fields to urban sprawl,
Life’s richness shared amongst us all,
With every action,
thoughtful, kind,
A tapestry of heart and mind.
In this realm,
no voice ignored,
Every need and wish explored,
A synergy of thought and deed,
A conscious society, freed.
Here, the earth and people thrive,
In harmony, we feel alive,
A testament to what can be,
A world of peace and prosperity.
♦ Any suggestions for possible memes?
Sure! Here are a few meme ideas that reflect the principles of life-value onto-axiology and MMT integration for a sustainable and inclusive society:
Meme 1: “Accountability in Action”
Image: A person happily looking at a computer screen displaying transparent financial and ecological data. Text:
- Top: “When your government shows you where every dollar goes…”
- Bottom: “Accountability and transparency for the win!”
Meme 2: “Sustainable Progress”
Image: A thriving green landscape with renewable energy sources and people engaging in community activities. Text:
- Top: “Who said progress can’t be green?”
- Bottom: “Life-value principles in action!”
Meme 3: “Economic Growth, Reimagined”
Image: A graph showing increasing well-being indicators instead of GDP. Text:
- Top: “Forget GDP growth…”
- Bottom: “Let’s measure what really matters!”
Meme 4: “Life-Centric Policies”
Image: A politician pointing to a chart labeled “Life-Centric Policies.” Text:
- Top: “When your policies prioritize people and the planet…”
- Bottom: “Now that’s real leadership!”
Meme 5: “Public Services for All”
Image: Diverse group of people smiling and using public services like healthcare, education, and public transport. Text:
- Top: “Universal Basic Services?”
- Bottom: “Sign me up for a life-value economy!”
Meme 6: “Modern Monetary Theory”
Image: A printing press labeled “Government” printing money with people building schools, hospitals, and parks. Text:
- Top: “MMT: Funding what really matters…”
- Bottom: “Investing in our future, not just our banks.”
Meme 7: “Well-Being Over Wealth”
Image: Two paths diverging: one labeled “Profit at all costs” and the other “Well-being for all.” Text:
- Top: “Which path will you choose?”
- Bottom: “Well-being over wealth, every time.”
Meme 8: “Inclusive Economy”
Image: A diverse group of people holding hands around the earth. Text:
- Top: “An economy that works for everyone…”
- Bottom: “Life-value principles lead the way!”
These memes aim to convey the importance of aligning economic practices with life-value principles in a simple and engaging manner.
♦ Can you also construct a parable to distill the wisdom here?
The Parable of the Prosperous Village
In a land not so far away, nestled between rolling hills and sparkling rivers, there was a village called Harmony. Harmony was unlike any other village because it had discovered a unique way of life that brought peace, prosperity, and joy to all its inhabitants.
In the early days, the villagers of Harmony struggled like any other. They worked hard, but their efforts seemed to bring little reward. Resources were scarce, and many felt their lives were dictated by forces beyond their control.
One day, a wise elder named Sophia gathered the villagers in the town square. “We must rethink our way of living,” she said. “Instead of striving for wealth alone, let us strive for life-value, where every action we take enhances our well-being and that of our land.”
Sophia introduced the villagers to the Primary Axiom of Life Value: “X is value if and only if it enhances a more inclusive range of thought, feeling, and action.” With this principle, they began to transform their village.
First, they ensured everyone had meaningful work. Farmers grew food sustainably, teachers imparted wisdom, and craftsmen created goods that brought joy and utility. They built transparent halls where anyone could see how resources were used, fostering trust and accountability.
The village invested in renewable energy, harnessing the power of the sun and wind. They cleaned their rivers and planted trees, knowing that a healthy environment was the bedrock of their prosperity.
Sophia also introduced a system of Life-Capital Accounts, tracking not just their wealth in coins but their wealth in health, knowledge, and community. The villagers celebrated their successes with festivals, where they shared stories of how their lives had improved.
As Harmony flourished, other villages took notice. Delegations came to learn their secrets. Sophia welcomed them all, sharing the wisdom that had transformed their home. “Our success,” she explained, “is measured not by what we take but by what we give. When we prioritize life-value, we all thrive.”
Over time, the principles of Harmony spread far and wide. Villages and cities across the land adopted similar practices, creating a vast network of thriving communities. People lived longer, happier lives, knowing that their work, their environment, and their governance were aligned with the true essence of value.
And so, the legacy of Harmony lived on, a testament to the power of aligning human endeavors with the principles of life-value onto-axiology. The villagers learned that prosperity isn’t just about wealth; it’s about creating a world where everyone and everything can flourish in harmony.
♦ Can you compose a song with music inspiring this awakening?
Verse 1
In a village by the river, where the sun meets the sea,
There’s a story of a people living wild and free.
They found a way of life, where each hand has a role,
Where the wealth isn’t in the gold but in the heart and soul.
Chorus
Let’s build a world where life can thrive,
Where harmony and love survive.
In every heart, in every land,
We’ll stand together, hand in hand.
With life-value as our guide,
We’ll walk this path side by side.
For a future bright and fair,
With hope and care, we’ll get there.
Verse 2
They worked the fields with kindness, they taught the young with grace,
In a land of endless bounty, every soul found its place.
With the power of the sun, and the wisdom of the past,
They built a brighter future, where true values last.
Chorus
Let’s build a world where life can thrive,
Where harmony and love survive.
In every heart, in every land,
We’ll stand together, hand in hand.
With life-value as our guide,
We’ll walk this path side by side.
For a future bright and fair,
With hope and care, we’ll get there.
Bridge
No more chasing empty dreams, no more silent cries,
We’ll find our strength in unity, beneath the open skies.
With every step we take, with every seed we sow,
We’ll weave a tapestry of life, where true values grow.
Chorus
Let’s build a world where life can thrive,
Where harmony and love survive.
In every heart, in every land,
We’ll stand together, hand in hand.
With life-value as our guide,
We’ll walk this path side by side.
For a future bright and fair,
With hope and care, we’ll get there.
Outro
So here’s to the awakening, to a world we’ll create,
Where love and life together will determine our fate.
With hearts full of hope, and hands ready to mend,
We’ll sing this song of unity, until the very end.
Music Suggestions:
- Tempo: Mid-tempo, uplifting and rhythmic.
- Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar, piano, light percussion, strings, and harmonica for a folk-inspired, heartfelt sound.
- Melody: Simple and catchy, with a sing-along quality in the chorus.
- Vocals: Warm and inviting, with harmonies in the chorus to emphasize unity and togetherness.
This song aims to inspire an awakening and commitment to building a world based on life-value principles, celebrating community, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
♦ If one can reformulate and repurpose the Great Commandment, The Lord’s prayer and The Beatitudes in life-value onto-axiological terms, what would they look like?
Reformulating and repurposing the Great Commandment, The Lord’s Prayer, and The Beatitudes in terms of life-value onto-axiology involves aligning these spiritual teachings with the principles of enhancing human and ecological well-being. Here’s how they might look:
The Great Commandment Reformulated
Original: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Life-Value Onto-Axiology Reformulation: “Honor and cherish the source of all life with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest principle. And the second is like it: Value and respect each person as you value and respect yourself, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.”
The Lord’s Prayer Reformulated
Original: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
Life-Value Onto-Axiology Reformulation: “Source of all life, revered and cherished, may your vision of harmony and well-being be realized on earth as it is in the highest realms. Provide for us today the means to sustain our bodies and spirits. Help us to forgive others as we seek forgiveness for ourselves, promoting reconciliation and peace. Guide us away from paths that harm and lead us towards actions that nurture and protect all life.”
The Beatitudes Reformulated
Original: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3-10)
Life-Value Onto-Axiology Reformulation:
- Blessed are those who recognize their interconnectedness with all life, for they shall find true belonging and peace.
- Blessed are those who grieve the harm done to the earth and its beings, for they shall be motivated to heal and restore.
- Blessed are those who act with humility and respect towards all forms of life, for they shall create a sustainable world.
- Blessed are those who strive for justice and well-being for all, for they shall find fulfillment and purpose.
- Blessed are those who show compassion and mercy, for they shall receive kindness in return.
- Blessed are those with sincere and genuine intentions, for they shall perceive the essence of life’s true value.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called stewards of harmony and unity.
- Blessed are those who endure hardship for the sake of justice and life-value, for their commitment shall inspire transformation and renewal.
These reformulations aim to translate the essence of these spiritual teachings into principles that promote a life-coherent society, where the well-being of all forms of life is prioritized, and actions are guided by respect, compassion, and a deep understanding of our interconnectedness.
♦ Is there a life-value onto-axiological equivalent in meaning to Amen?
In the context of life-value onto-axiology, an equivalent to “Amen” could be a phrase that encapsulates the commitment to the principles of life-value and the affirmation of interconnectedness and well-being. Here are a few possibilities:
1. “In Harmony and Truth”
This phrase affirms the commitment to living in accordance with the principles of interconnectedness, coherence, and life-value.
2. “For the Well-being of All”
This emphasizes the focus on collective well-being and the flourishing of all life forms.
3. “Aligned with Life’s Value”
This phrase underscores the alignment with life-value principles and the commitment to actions that enhance life.
Example Affirmations with Equivalent:
Affirmation 1: “I honor the interconnectedness of all life, embracing compassion and respect in every action. Through my choices, I contribute to a world where every being can thrive in harmony.” Equivalent: “In Harmony and Truth.”
Affirmation 2: “I commit to nurturing the earth and its resources, recognizing that sustainable practices are essential for the well-being of current and future generations. My actions today create a brighter, healthier tomorrow.” Equivalent: “For the Well-being of All.”
Affirmation 3: “I value justice, mercy, and humility, striving to uplift others and promote peace. By aligning my life with the principles of life-value, I help build a society grounded in mutual respect and collective prosperity.” Equivalent: “Aligned with Life’s Value.”
Each of these phrases captures the essence of the commitment to life-value principles, similar to how “Amen” signifies affirmation and agreement in a spiritual context.
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