You can engage with the ideas and text of the book ‘Breaking Together: a freedom-loving response to collapse‘ with the help of an AI chatbot provided by the organisation Service Space.
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As I launched this in 2023, this was one of the first contemporary non-fiction books made available in this way. It is provided with the aim of making the best use of technologies while we still have them. I am aware of criticisms of AI, as well as serious concerns about future risk, and I am researching that at present, before sharing ideas on this blog (by November 2025).
JemBot might accidentally hallucinate a quotation from the book, so it is smart to check any quotations with the book text before repeating those quotations elsewhere. To obtain the ebook, paperback, hardback or audio, see here.
An illustration of the kind of prompt and answer follows below…
PROMPT: What does Breaking Together say about money?
JEMBOT: “Breaking Together” by Jem Bendell presents a profound analysis of money’s impact on society and individuals, as well as its potential role in the disintegration of communities. It emphasizes that modern money might be implicated in weakening social bonds and changing our behavior.
In the words of Bendell: “Elders in Malawi explained ‘that money was responsible for breaking down some of the bonds of respect and honour which previously structured social and economic relations.'” He further notes that money influences us to become more impulsive and act on transient desires.
According to several studies quoted in the book, there is an argument suggesting that societies that run on gifting, rather than monetary exchange, may be more harmonious and healthier for our mental well-being.
Interesting research that Bendell brings up is how being rich can potentially reduce empathy and make people stingier. He writes, “psychological studies claim that being rich makes people stingy and reduces empathy.”
The author also underscores an intriguing perspective on how we perceive and react to money, noting that our interactions with it might not only be influenced by its inherent value, but also by the way it is issued as debt, with interest, and hoarded by people and organizations. He says, “Because that system means we experience a scarcity of money, and so most of us harbour some fear of running out of money.”
This raises potent questions for contemplation. How does money affect your relationships, your values, and your sense of community? In what ways has your interaction with money shaped your consciousness and values? And how can we foster a healthier relationship with money in our society? These are all worthwhile questions to ponder on.
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