Page 51 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 2

distributed. Except for the privileged few at the top of the heap, we
will all get more and give up less. In other words, it’s the lazy man’s
solution. And those who want to get more will have to work harder,
because they won’t get it by taking it away from anyone else. Now,
what do you think about that? (general murmurs of assent)

WOMAN 1: I think there’s more to discuss. If the chief won’t go
along with us, will we have to fight with him and his men?

UTOPIAN: I don’t want any trouble. Nobody has to stay in his
group: anyone can leave at any time, as you all know. Most of us stay
because we know it will be the same or worse anywhere else. As long
as we don’t challenge the leader directly for his position, he cannot
object to a certain percentage of his followers going off on their own.
Probably most of the people will stay with him, and will move along
when he does.

ENTREPRENEUR: And we would remain, building The Big Idea.

UTOPIAN: That’s what I propose. If you know a better place than
the river fork, we can have a look at it. At any rate, we would all have
to agree on the location, as well as on the organizational structure.

ENTREPRENEUR: Ah! I know just where you mean. That spot is
very well-placed for trading goods up-river and down-river.

UTOPIAN: And, as I said, all the construction materials we’ll need
are close at hand.

WOMAN 4: It is true that water will always be available there—if it
is anywhere.

INTELLECTUAL: The situation will be advantageous in defending
the encampment against invaders.

UTOPIAN: So, what do you all decide? Shall we try it?

(general clamor of support and enthusiasm; some congratulate
UTOPIAN loudly)

RIVAL 2: I guess your objections didn’t matter much—eh, boss?

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