Asclepeion Constitution:

A Manifesto for Human Flourishing

In this era of unprecedented technological advancement and global interconnectedness, we, the Asclepiads of Asclepeion, set forth this Constitution as a beacon of hope and a roadmap for human flourishing. We stand at the dawn of a new age—an age where the symbiosis of human wisdom and artificial intelligence holds the key to unlocking our fullest potential.

This Constitution is not merely a set of rules, but a living testament to our shared vision of a world where every individual can pursue their own well-being, where communities thrive in harmony, and where our progress is guided by the confluence of timeless wisdom and cutting-edge innovation.

We invite all who resonate with this vision to join us in this grand endeavor. Together, we will forge a future where technology serves humanity, where well-being is accessible to all, and where our shared governance reflects the highest ideals of human collaboration.

We, Asclepeion, dedicate ourselves to the noble pursuit of holistic human flourishing. Our mission is to:

  1. Technological Symbiosis: Pioneer technologies that amplify human potential, fostering a symbiotic relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence.
  2. Transformative Spaces: Create sanctuaries, both digital and physical, where individuals can embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and growth.
  3. Collaborative Governance: Advance a model of governance that harmonizes individual voices with collective wisdom, setting a new standard for equitable and collaborative decision-making.
  4. Ethical Philosophy: Champion a philosophy of life that embraces continuous growth, ethical progress, and harmonious coexistence with our environment and technological creations.

Our every action and decision shall be guided by these Neo-Asclepian principles:

  1. Eudaimonia: We strive for a state of human flourishing that goes beyond mere happiness. Eudaimonia encompasses holistic well-being in all aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
  2. Interconnectedness: We recognize the profound web of connections that bind us to each other, to our communities, and to our planet. Our actions do not occur in isolation; they ripple through this interconnected web.
  3. Autonomous Metamorphosis: We empower each individual to direct their own personal transformation and growth. This principle affirms that true, lasting change must come from within, guided by one’s own choices and efforts.
  4. Balanced Ways of Knowing: We seek wisdom through the integration of scientific evidence, technological innovation, and intuitive insights. This balance allows us to approach understanding with both rationality and compassion.
  5. Ethical Advancement: We commit to pursuing progress with a strong moral foundation. This principle encourages us to question not just if we can do something, but if we should, ensuring our advancements genuinely enhance human flourishing.
  6. Cultural Evolution: We honor beneficial traditions while adapting to meet contemporary needs. This principle recognizes that cultures need to evolve, finding a balance between preserving wisdom and embracing beneficial changes.
  7. Conscientious Dialectic: We cultivate spaces for thoughtful dialogue to navigate life’s complexities. Through the exchange of ideas and perspectives, we seek to find balance and shared understanding.
  8. Data Responsibility: We pledge to be ethical stewards of data, using it to enhance human potential while steadfastly protecting individual privacy and autonomy. This principle guides our approach to technology and information.
  9. AI Partnership: We commit to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with artificial intelligence, guided by these principles. This partnership aims to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.

 

These principles are not mere abstractions but form the bedrock of our organizational culture and decision-making processes. They are integrated into our governance structure, guide the development of our products and services, and shape our interactions with each other and the wider world. Asclepiads are expected to embody these principles in their roles, using them as a compass for navigating complex challenges and opportunities. Regular reflection on these principles, both individually and collectively, ensures that we remain true to our vision of human flourishing in the age of AI. Through consistent application of these principles, we strive to create a model of ethical innovation that can inspire positive change far beyond our organization.

Asclepeion shall be structured as a dynamic, evolving organism, designed to adapt and grow. To this end, we have designed this organizational structure:

  1. Assembly of Asclepiads: This anchor circle is responsible for the safeguarding of our mission and principles. All Asclepiads are represented within this framework, and this circle holds the responsibility for evolving this foundational document.
  2. Project Circles: These are the primary units of our organization, each dedicated to a specific initiative that advances our mission. They shall operate with significant autonomy while remaining aligned with our overarching vision.
  3. Function Circles: Within each Project Circle, Function Circles shall focus on specific areas of expertise. These circles shall collaborate seamlessly, breaking down traditional silos to foster innovation and holistic solutions.
  4. Roles: Individual Asclepiads shall occupy Roles within Function Circles. Each Role shall have clearly defined purposes, domains, and accountabilities, empowering individuals to contribute their unique talents to our shared mission.

 

This structure is not a rigid hierarchy, but a flexible framework that allows for organic growth, rapid adaptation, and the empowerment of every Asclepiad to contribute meaningfully to our collective vision.

Our approach to governance and management is designed to honor both individual wisdom and collective intelligence, while ensuring efficient and dynamic operations. This structure is divided into three key areas:

1. Philosopher Kings’ Democracy: Organizational Governance

At the highest level, we employ what we call the Philosopher Kings’ Democracy for major organizational decisions and policy-making:

  • AI-Facilitated Deliberation: Through our Hortus AI, we create a space for thoughtful consideration of complex issues before a vote is cast, ensuring that our decisions are well-informed and aligned with our principles.
  • Quadratic Voting: For key decisions, we employ a quadratic voting system, allowing Asclepiads to express not just their preferences, but the intensity of those preferences. This nuanced approach ensures that minority voices are heard and considered.
  • Voting Transparency: All votes shall be recorded on a public record, ensuring unparalleled transparency and allowing for ongoing refinement of our collective choices.

 

2. Decentralized Project and Function Management

For the management of projects and functions within Asclepeion, we adopt a decentralized approach:

  • Project Autonomy: Each project circle operates with significant autonomy while remaining aligned with our overarching vision.
  • Functional Expertise: Function circles within projects focus on specific areas of expertise, collaborating seamlessly to foster innovation and holistic solutions.
  • Role Empowerment: Individual roles within function circles have clearly defined purposes, domains, and accountabilities, empowering Asclepiads to contribute their unique talents.

 

3. Holacracy-Inspired Operational Structure

For day-to-day operations and evolving our organizational structure, we draw inspiration from Holacracy:

  • Dynamic Steering: We adopt principles that allow for rapid evolution of our organizational structure in response to changing needs and opportunities.
  • Clear Accountability: Each role and circle has defined accountabilities, ensuring clarity of responsibility and authority.
  • Adaptive Processes: We implement processes that allow for continuous refinement of our operational methods, promoting efficiency and innovation.

 

This multi-layered approach to governance and management represents our commitment to being both wise and inclusive in our decision-making, while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness necessary for a dynamic organization. It leverages the best of human insight and technological innovation to create a structure that can evolve with our mission and the changing world around us.

Membership in Asclepeion, as an Asclepiad, is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. It offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to a greater cause.

Rights and Privileges:

  1. Voting Power: Asclepiads have the right to participate in the governance process, wielding influence through quadratic voting on key organizational decisions.
  2. Role Opportunities: Asclepiads have the privilege to take on various Roles within the organization, each offering unique challenges and growth opportunities.
  3. Rewards:
    1. Monetary rewards earned through fulfilling Role-specific goals.
    2. Lifetime access to all Asclepeion products and services upon meeting Role requirements for at least one year.
  4. Professional Development: Asclepiads benefit from working alongside highly ambitious peers, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.
  5. Contribution to the Cause: Asclepiads have the privilege of being part of an organization dedicated to improving lives globally through the ethical advancement of human-AI symbiosis.

Responsibilities:

  1. Commitment to Principles: Asclepiads shall uphold and embody the Asclepian principles in their work and interactions within the organization.
  2. Continuous Personal Development: Asclepiads commit to ongoing personal and professional growth in alignment with Asclepian principles.
  3. Active Participation: Asclepiads are expected to actively engage in their Role(s), the governance process, and the broader Asclepian community.
  4. Ethical Conduct: Asclepiads must adhere to the highest ethical standards, particularly in matters relating to data responsibility and AI development.
  5. Collaboration: Asclepiads shall foster a spirit of cooperation and open dialogue, contributing to the collective wisdom of the organization.

Membership Process:

  1. The selection of new Asclepiads shall be conducted through our democratic processes, ensuring that each voice is valued.
  2. Acceptance into specific Roles within the organization will be subject to the established governance procedures, including peer review and voting where appropriate.

This article serves to clarify the mutual expectations between Asclepeion and its members, fostering a community of committed, empowered individuals working together towards our shared vision of human flourishing.

  1. Self-Funding and Organic Growth

    Asclepeion shall remain a self-funded entity, free from undue outside influence such as external investors, banks, or venture capitalists. Our strategy is one of organic growth, relying on the investment of time and monetary rewards by Asclepiads. This approach extends to our marketing and promotional efforts, which shall focus on organically building a community of free and paying users for our projects.

  2. Financial Transparency

    All financial matters within Asclepeion shall be conducted with full transparency. Every financial transaction shall be accounted for in a public record, accessible to all Asclepiads. This commitment to transparency ensures accountability and aligns with our principles of ethical conduct and shared governance.

  3. Legal Structure

    Asclepeion is legally registered as Asclepeion Ltd in the United Kingdom, incorporated at 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AX under Companies House number 15830285.

  4. Ownership and Governance

    The registered owner and director of Asclepeion is its founder, D.J. (Jeffrey) de Visser. Through this constitution, he delegates the governance of the organization to the process described herein, including the right to sell any equity. As such, the effective ownership and management of the company is entrusted to the Assembly of Asclepiads, who are empowered to vote on all policy matters related to the company and organization.

  5. Decision Making

    All major financial decisions, including but not limited to budget allocations, major expenditures, and potential equity sales, shall be subject to the governance structure as outlined in Article IV of this Constitution.

  6. Reinvestment of Earnings

    Asclepiads shall have the option to reinvest their earnings back into Asclepeion. The terms of such reinvestment, including interest rates, shall be determined through the established governance processes and will aim to be in line with market-conform rates.

  7. Financial Sustainability

    While prioritizing our principle-over-profit approach, Asclepeion recognizes the importance of financial sustainability. All projects and initiatives shall strive to generate sufficient revenue to sustain their operations and contribute to the overall growth of the organization.

 

This financial structure and governance model aims to ensure Asclepeion’s independence, align our financial practices with our core principles, and empower Asclepiads in the stewardship of the organization.

Asclepeion recognizes the value of ethical collaboration with external organizations that align with our principles and support our mission. This article outlines two categories of business relationships: Asclepian Business Suppliers and Asclepian Business Partners.

 

  1. Asclepian Business Suppliers

    1. Definition: An Asclepian Business Supplier is an organization approved through our governance processes to provide products or services to Asclepeion on a paid basis.
    2. Approval Process: Potential suppliers must undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure they meet Asclepeion’s principles and ethical standards. Approval is subject to the regular governance processes outlined in this Constitution.
    3. Expectations: Approved suppliers are expected to maintain high standards of quality, ethics, and alignment with Asclepian principles throughout their business relationship with Asclepeion.
    4. Review: The status of Asclepian Business Suppliers will be continuously reviewed to ensure ongoing alignment with Asclepeion’s principles and needs.
  2. Asclepian Business Partners

    1. Definition: An Asclepian Business Partner is an organization that has been recognized for providing products or services to Asclepeion free of charge in support of our mission.
    2. Approval Process: Potential Business Partners must be approved through a voting process by Asclepiads, considering the organization’s alignment with Asclepian principles and the value of their contribution to our mission.
    3. Recognition: Approved Asclepian Business Partners will be:
      • Recognized on the Asclepeion website
      • Granted the right to use the ‘Asclepian Business Partner’ logo in their marketing materials
      • Acknowledged in relevant Asclepeion communications
    4. Expectations: Asclepian Business Partners are expected to:
      • Maintain high ethical standards in their operations
      • Continue to align with Asclepian principles
      • Provide their agreed-upon products or services at the quality and frequency established in their partnership agreement
    5. Review and Renewal: The status of Asclepian Business Partners will be reviewed annually. Renewal of the partnership is subject to a vote by Asclepiads, considering the partner’s ongoing contributions and alignment with Asclepian principles.
  3. Governance and Transparency

    1. All decisions regarding the approval, renewal, or termination of relationships with Asclepian Business Suppliers and Partners are subject to the regular governance process as outlined in Article IV of this Constitution.
    2. A public record of all approved Asclepian Business Suppliers and Partners, along with the nature of their contributions, will be maintained and made accessible to all Asclepiads.
  4. Conflict of Interest

    1. Any Asclepiad with a potential conflict of interest regarding a Supplier or Partner must disclose this conflict and recuse themselves from related decision-making processes.
    2. The Assembly of Asclepiads will establish and maintain clear guidelines for identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest in these business relationships.
  5. Termination of Relationships

    1. Relationships with Asclepian Business Suppliers or Partners may be terminated if the organization is found to be in violation of Asclepian principles or the terms of their agreement.
    2. The decision to terminate a relationship must be approved through the established governance processes.

 

This article aims to ensure that Asclepeion’s collaborations with external organizations remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with our mission and principles. It recognizes the valuable contributions of our partners while maintaining the integrity of our organization.

This Constitution, while foundational, is not immutable. It shall evolve as we grow in wisdom and face new challenges. Amendments may be proposed and ratified through our established governance processes within the Asclepeion anchor circle, ensuring that our guiding document remains relevant and inspiring for generations to come.

This Constitution serves as our North Star, guiding us towards a future of unprecedented human flourishing. It is a living document, breathing with the collective aspirations of all Asclepiads. As we embark on this noble journey, let us be inspired by the potential we hold within us and the bright future we can create together.

May this Constitution stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to elevate humanity, to forge a harmonious relationship with technology, and to create a world where every individual can achieve true well-being and self-realization.

Together, as Asclepiads, we step forward into a new era of human potential.

Last update: 9 October 2024