SCI & Permaculture Principles

The fundamental qualities of the principles of the Science of Creative Intelligence can be identified throughout Bill Mollison’s principles of Permaculture. SCI outlines the laws of nature that describe the growth and progression of all of life, while Mollison describes a way of life that aims to (re)align humans with this natural flow and progression by combining the laws of nature with our own creativity and intelligence in order to maximize our fulfillment in our lives.

Intentionality is the driving force in all of Mollison’s Permaculture Principles. First, there is careful observation, contemplation and planning, and next, action comes only after all the elements are conceptually placed into context according to their relative location. This means every element is analyzed for its functions (what it needs and what it can provide) and it is placed so that the whole of the element is supported and benefited from. SCI Principle, “Thought leads to action; action leads to achievement; achievement leads to fulfillment,” best describes this trajectory, with the idea that intentional thought leads to beneficial action, which then leads to greater satisfaction.

Regarding small-scale intensive systems, Mollison writes that, “Permaculture… is not a return to peasant systems of annual crops, endless drudgery, and total dependence on human labor,” but that it “focuses on designing the farm (or garden, or town) to best advantage…” This focus on the highest priorities for the greatest reward is described by the SCI principle, “Seek the highest first.” Cultivating a keen awareness of what should be done first, second, and then third is an art that we can learn from nature. Mollison encourages us to start developing our projects at the nucleus and work outward, all the while optimizing the use of space, and time.

“Enjoy greater efficiency and accomplish more,” is an SCI principle that easily flows next. I saw this principle represented a lot in Mollison’s principle of energy (re)cycling on site.  It is more efficient to use energy that is available to you as much as possible while you have it in your hands. Instead of using an element once, and then letting it leave, see how much you can use and reuse it in your operations. Reusing energy actually allows you to accomplish more with “less.” The more you align yourself with nature, the more efficient your actions become.