What is an example of a thriving society (past or present) with tiny government?
Finding a thriving society with a "tiny government" can be challenging, as most societies rely on some form of governance to function effectively. However, there are examples of communities or societies that have emphasized minimal governance or decentralized decision-making:
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Free Town Christiania, Denmark: Established in 1971, Christiania is an autonomous neighborhood in Copenhagen that operates with minimal formal government. It has a self-governing community with its own rules and social structures, though it is not entirely independent from Danish law. Christiania is known for its communal living and lack of formal authority, making it a unique example of a society with minimal government intervention4.
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Drop City, Colorado (1965-1977): This was an early hippie commune that sought to reject traditional capitalist structures and operate with minimal formal governance. It was based on egalitarian ideals and aimed to create a self-sufficient community. Although it eventually dissolved, it represents an attempt at creating a thriving society with minimal government4.
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Auroville, India (not Australia as mentioned in some sources): While not entirely without governance, Auroville is a planned city in India that emphasizes community decision-making and minimal formal authority. It focuses on sustainable living and has a unique system of governance that involves community participation4.
These examples illustrate attempts at creating thriving societies with minimal or decentralized governance, though they often face challenges in sustainability and scalability.