“One wants a civilization, of course. Civilizations are desirable. One would wish to have one. But then, again, there are many sorts of civilizations. Suppose an old order should collapse, or disintegrate, or be destroyed. What would be the nature of the new order? Surely it need not be built on the failed model of the old order. That was an experiment which was tested, and found wanting. It was a mistake. It did not work. What would the new order be like? Let us hope it would be a sounder order, one, for once, fully in harmony with nature.” Vagabonds of Gor, pages 118-119
In recent years, the Gorean community has undergone significant transformation, much like the world described in Vagabonds of Gor where the collapse of one order gives rise to the emergence of a new one. The quote above from Vagabonds of Goroffers both a cautionary and hopeful outlook on the cycles of civilization. It challenges us to reflect on the failures of the past and to envision a new way forward. One that might be in tune with the nature of our beings and society.
In the context of the Gorean community, this quote mirrors the profound shifts we are experiencing today. The early years of the Gorean community, especially online, were rooted in a more rigid understanding of the concepts derived from John Norman’s Gor series. The ideas surrounding dominance, submission, and traditional gender roles were approached in ways that emphasized strict protocols, hierarchical structures, and sometimes divisive interpretations of these concepts. There was a reliance on a particular “old order”. An interpretation of the Gorean lifestyle and philosophy that many felt was reflective of the strict societal structures found in the books.
Now as the community evolves, there’s a palpable sense of change. The quote from Vagabonds of Gor resonates strongly as it speaks to a fundamental reevaluation of the old order and the possibilities for something new. When we look at the shifts occurring within the Gorean community, it is clear that we're moving away from rigid constructs that are not always aligned with a more holistic or ethical vision of life. The ideal of a new order is becoming less about replicating the past and more about creating something more inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the core human values of mutual respect and consent.
What does this new order look like? At its core, it is a movement towards greater authenticity and connection. For many within the community, this involves a rejection of outdated models that might have worked in theory but were harmful in practice. The hierarchical systems that once defined the Gorean lifestyle, with a clear delineation between Master and slave, Free and slave, are being questioned. People now are exploring ways to integrate Gorean ideals with modern understandings of consent, equality, and emotional intelligence.
A “sounder order,” as described in the quote, is one that recognizes the complexities of human relationships and adapts to the needs and desires of individuals within those relationships. For example, the concept of “ownership” has been reevaluated. Whereas the older Gorean mindset may have seen it as something absolute and unyielding, today’s community is discussing ownership as a dynamic and consensual aspect of the relationship. This allows individuals to explore their roles without being locked into rigid definitions that don’t serve them or their partners.
Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the diversity within the Gorean community. The old order, with its emphasis on traditional gender roles, may have failed to acknowledge the complexities of gender, sexuality, and identity. Today, more individuals are creating inclusive spaces within the community, acknowledging that just as the world is diverse, so too should be the people who identify with the Gorean lifestyle. This inclusivity doesn’t mean the abandonment of the core principles of Gorean philosophy. Rather, it is an expansion, an evolution of those principles that allows them to thrive in a way that’s fully in harmony with the nature of modern human beings.
The line in the quote that states, “one, for once, fully in harmony with nature,” is an ideal that has also come to resonate deeply within the Gorean community’s evolving landscape. There’s a growing understanding that the ideals espoused in the Gor series, such as strength, self reliance, and a deep connection to the earth, should not be discarded but rather reinterpreted for modern sensibilities. This can be seen in how individuals and groups within the community are advocating for sustainable living practices, a return to simpler, more connected ways of living, and a greater appreciation for the natural world.
The new order in the Gorean community seeks to bring balance between power dynamics and compassion, control and freedom, dominance and submission, while not forgetting the importance of our relationship to nature. Whether that’s through physical practice (like the emphasis on fitness and strength) or philosophical practices (such as mindfulness, living authentically, and being in tune with our emotional needs). It is about finding balance between the traditional and the contemporary, between the philosophical constructs of the past and the values that resonate with today’s world.
In many ways, the Gorean community is entering an era of deep reflection and transformation, much like the civilization in Vagabonds of Gor that has to rebuild after the collapse of the old order. We’re seeing the beginning of a new era, one that focuses on greater respect for personal autonomy, mutual consent, and self expression. While still remaining true to the foundational ideals that drew us to the lifestyle in the first place.
As I look forward, I am hopeful that this new order, though still in its early stages, will create a space where individuals can find their true selves and engage in meaningful relationships that are not only powerful and fulfilling but also rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and authenticity. The evolution of the Gorean community is not about erasing the past but rather about learning from it, embracing the lessons of failure, and forging a new path forward that is better suited to the needs of those who choose to walk it. It is an exciting time to be part of this transformation, and I believe that the future of the Gorean community, when fully in harmony with nature and human nature, will be a thriving dynamic place where all can find the civilization they’ve been searching for. One that is, at last, truly in balance.