1. We are Phutyle International, evangelists of Phutilitarian philosophy, politics and culture. This document defines our cause, and supersedes all previous Phutyle International manifestos.

 

2. This document is presented not as a binding set of laws, but as a proposed foundation upon which a just and prosperous society can be built.

 

3. There is no membership in Phutyle International. Acceptance of the spirit of this manifesto (rather than the letter) is the only criteria for bring a Phutilitarian. Being a Phutilitarian does not necessarily equate with being a Phutopian, or visa versa. The former is a philosophical, political and cultural state of mind, the latter is citizenship of the independent state of Phutopia. Contact the Phutopian High Command for more information.

 

4. Phutilitarianism is founded upon the following basic concepts, which we see as archetypical truths:

a) Existence is amoral. Human morality is a survival tactic, not an enforced set of natural laws.

b) There is no authority other than that which we bestow upon ourselves or each other.

c) The individual is the basic unit of society.

d) Each individual has the right to ultimate freedom. However, in asserting one's personal freedom, one must consequently respect the freedom of all other individuals. Any action that curtails the freedom of others cannot be justified in the name of individual freedom, and therefore cannot be tolerated.

e) Responsibility is a prerequisite to freedom. To deny responsibility for actions is to deny freedom in acting.

 

5. Phutyle International recognises that there is an apparent contradiction in a group that calls for individual freedom. It must be remembered that individual freedom is not to be confused with isolationism. Phutyle International merely makes the claim that each individual has the right to freedom. We do not suppose that it should be enforced. People should be free to sacrifice or compromise certain facets of their freedom, of their own free will, if such a sacrifice is beneficial to that individual.

 

6. To quote Noam Chomsky, "Optimism is a strategy for making a better future." Far from being a self destructive species, humanity is hell-bent on its own survival. Humanity will not intentionally destroy itself. It will always strive to make its own existence more comfortable. Destruction and conflict occur when one section of humanity seeks this comfort at the expense of another. Humanity has the capacity to better itself to universal advantage. When it recognises the need for betterment, it will occur.

 

7. It might be a cliché, but knowledge is power. Information, and the ability to formulate ideas with it, is the fuel that drives humanity.

a) Logic, reason and the scientific method are not ends in themselves, but the only tools by which knowledge can be established.

 

9. The importance of the past lies in its experience. The importance of the present lies in its existence. The importance of the future lies in its potential.

a) Tradition should not be used as a justification merely for its own sake. Such a practice smothers innovation, and can perpetuate injustice and irrelevance.

b) Change should not be feared for its own sake. Dynamism is the only certainty, both within the Universe at large, and the microcosm of human society and culture.

c) Humanity is not evolution's ultimate product. Humanity and society are in a constant state of progress.

 

10. Context is far more important than content. There is no reason why something of worth that has been done before cannot be done again, if it is of relevance. Originality is not a virtue in itself.