A new economic paradigm is rising. It will fulfill the economic aspirations left unsatisfied by the two predominate economic systems of the past 150 years. In this pathway, we will discover how individuals and society can maximally benefit from this new paradigm.

In this segment of Pathfinders I will introduce to you the works and insights of many thinkers who forsee a drastic change in the ways we approach economics and the commercial sphere on which we, in many cases, have accepted as the primary mediator of human life. One we have tasted the visions and works of a number of highly respected economic thinkers we'll look at some of the hands on ways in which you will be able to apply a new economic paradigm to your life.

For more than a century, capitalism and socialism have battled each other for world-wide supremacy. But neither system was capable of serving both the individual and the society in an equitable manner. Socialism, with its focus on the society, has largely collapsed around the world. Capitalism, with its focus on the individual, is struggling to survive. A third system, which combines the best of both capitalism and socialism, is now rising as the salvation of the world economy.

The predominate form of capitalism has been the private for-profit (PFP) business organization, while socialism has been expressed primarily as governmental not-for-profit (GNP) organizations. Neither capitalism nor socialism has performed well for society as a whole, with a few at the top of each system benefiting tremendously while the masses benefit substantially less, or even suffer from the abuses of each system. These two, private for-profit (PFP) and governmental not-for-profit (GNP), have been the major systems of economic theory and organization, mixed in various ratios, throughout the world.

Now a third economic system is coming to the fore, the private not-for-profit (PNP) organization. PNP is not new, it has just not received the attention it deserves. In every area where all three systems operate, the private not-for-profit (PNP) organization proves itself superior to either of the two fading systems (PFP, GNP). There is a growing conviction among those who have experienced all three paradigms that the advantages and successful operations of the PNP must become more widely recognized and utilized. To maximize benefits for both individuals and society, the application of the PNP paradigm, with its inherent advantages, must continue to expand. At its present growth rate, relative to the other two systems, the PNP is likely to become the predominate economic system of the 21st century.

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Harri Holkeri, urged much greater involvement of non-government organizations (the NGOs of U.N. parlance are, for the most part, variants of the PNP we refer to here) in U.N. affairs. In a speech to an international assembly in Vienna, Austria, on November 6, 2000, he said, "It is impossible to list all the areas where civil society [PNP] has played a crucial role, but I would like to mention a few key sectors, such as promoting peace and human rights, enhancing development, fighting for democracy, and speaking out for gender equality. All are areas of key concern to the United Nations and member states." "Enhancing development" means increasing economic prosperity and the concomitant benefits to the quality of life. Increased benefits for individuals and society is the destination of this pathway.

The US Congress was far ahead of the times in 1969 when it recognized the immense power of the PNP sector, and passed legislation designed to encourage its growth. However, not surprisingly, neither the PFP nor the GNP sector showed any enthusiasm for supporting the growth of a more effective alternative. For almost 30 years, this legislation was used predominately by the already wealthy and powerful, rather than by those it was designed to benefit the most—those seeking to create economic prosperity for themselves and their community.

In the last few years, due to the increasingly obvious failures of the PFP and GNP sectors, plus the information revolution of the Internet, this third system of economics has begun to reach a wider audience. This hidden gem, mired in the morass of the tax code for 30 years, is being restored to the luster of its original brilliant intent and use. Lest the mention of the tax code turn you off this path, be assured that this gem has an almost magical ability to turn the tax code and the IRS into your friend, and do so in a simple way! Subsequent segments of this pathway will show you how this is not only possible, but is already being done!

More than just an intellectual discussion, we will detail specific applications that can be used by our readers and fellow travelers on the path to financial freedom and security. Abstract knowledge without application is a luxury that cannot be afforded for long. In America, in the "richest society the world has ever known," the vast majority (over 95% according to government statistics) will spend at least 40 to 50 years of their adult life working for money to just pay the bills. They will never get significantly ahead, and will retire dependent on governmental handouts, family, and charity for their survival.

Working for money in either the PFP or GNP sectors of the economy has not worked, and never will. For a new economic reality to rise and supplant the failed systems of the past, we must disseminate both the knowledge and the applications that make it a living realty. For a practical and practicable example, we will examine in detail how one particular piece of legislation can be used to provide maximum benefits to both individuals and society. Once this is well understood within the context of the American economy, we will also discuss how this third economic system could be adapted to transform economies and lives around the world.

We look forward to seeing you on the path, and at the destination!