Chapter 1: The Challenge
The man had always been different. A rock singer, yes, but more than that—a seeker. His music had long carried messages of something deeper, a call to awaken, to rise above the noise of the everyday. But even he didn’t expect what came next.
It was late, and the echo of the last song was still ringing in his ears as he stepped off the stage, drenched in the familiar post-show energy. That’s when he saw the figure waiting in the shadows, standing apart from the crowd. It wasn’t unusual for fans to linger, but there was something about this one—something that pulled him closer.
“You’re the one,” the stranger said, voice steady but soft. “The one who will bring the change we’ve been waiting for. The New Era. It’s your time.”
He froze, the words hanging in the air between them. The stranger didn’t wait for a reply, didn’t explain further. He simply turned and vanished into the night, leaving him with nothing but the weight of the statement and a question he couldn’t shake. What if he was right?
Days passed, and the thought dug deeper. He tried to forget it, to focus on his music, but the idea gnawed at him, a truth just beyond his reach. What if he really could be the catalyst for something larger than himself? What if everything he’d been searching for, everything he’d sung about, was pointing him toward this moment? He spent sleepless nights in silence, staring into the darkness, trying to see the path ahead.
The days turned into a long journey of introspection. He began to think about the systems that defined the world. The government, with all its power, seemed like an entity controlled by the people who elected it, but he realized it was just an illusion. The officials, bound by old ideologies and trained in institutions that enforced those ideas, were prisoners of the past, unable to envision a different future. The cycle of the familiar kept everyone captive, and the illusion of control made it hard to see any way out.
He redirected his thoughts to the corporate world. Corporations were, without a doubt, the engines of progress—innovators, risk-takers, and creators of new possibilities. But they were also trapped, shackled by an insatiable drive for profit. It was easy to cast them as villains, driven by greed, but he knew it wasn’t entirely their fault. The system itself demanded it—a relentless economy that prioritized profit above everything else, relegating crucial concerns like the environment and humanity’s well-being to secondary importance. Yet, within this flawed system, there were sparks of hope: renewable energy initiatives, advancements in food technology, and efforts to bring knowledge and connectivity to every corner of the world. These were bold moves, signs of a future worth fighting for—but even they were ultimately guided by the invisible hand of profit, rather than a pure desire to uplift humanity. He thought ‘There is always pressure from Managers and shareholders for the bottom line and it comes at the expense of the significant things which are us and the place we live in’.
And then, he thought of the people. The free ones—the ones who acted out of pure intention to uplift humanity. Where were they? Why had their voices been so quiet, drowned out by the roar of politics and profit? That was the missing piece, the one that could shift everything toward a new direction.
The realization began to take root. His role wasn’t to simply sing; it was to catalyze a movement that allowed those voices to rise. He needed to encourage the development of this missing part of humanity. But how could he do that?
A contest. A way to bring out the ideas of those driven not by profit, but by the genuine desire to help. He could announce a contest for the best project, powered by a grassroots movement—funded through crowdfunding, supported by people who believed in something better. He knew the path wouldn’t be easy, but the logic was clear. They were living within a system built on a lack of awareness, blind adherence to ideologies and beliefs disconnected from the reality of human needs.
He had to present this case to the world.
It wasn’t enough to just sing about change—he had to make it. He would challenge the world to step outside the broken systems, to create something new, something that no longer served profit or politics but humanity itself.
The singer held a press conference, making an explosive announcement that a new era for humanity was about to begin. As a public figure, his words made a huge impact, sending ripples across the media and society. Many were surprised by his boldness, questioning how one man could make such a claim. But those familiar with his music knew that his lyrics had always hinted at a New Era. During the press conference, he declared that in six months, he would stand by his promise: a new era for humanity was about to begin, and it would start because each of us chooses to make it happen.
"We will start the New Era not because we worship some heavenly ideology," he said, "but for a united world whose inhabitants are aware of what is happening around them and have the power to make a difference. A world where there is only 'us,' not 'us and them.' A world where we protect our habitats for ourselves and for future generations. A world where the individual and the family are central—their lives, and their desire to live well. In short, a world where we are in control, not dictated by circumstances. I have a plan on how to start this journey, and I will present it in six months."
After this dramatic announcement, he knew he couldn't do it alone. He needed a network of dedicated people to help execute his vision—writing plans, engaging with the public, and building the foundations of the movement. He recruited a diverse group of people, particularly those with a spiritual inclination, such as artists, singers, writers, and technology pioneers. He explained his vision to them and asked for their support, requesting that they remain silent until he presented the plan himself.
The announcement rippled through the media like a stone cast into a still pond—with shockwaves of curiosity, doubt, and a hint of ridicule. Headlines called it "The New Prophet of Change" and questioned his intentions. Some wrote that the singer had lost his mind, attempting to push a new ideology, or perhaps even form a new cult. Opinion pieces dissected his words, debating whether this was just another idealistic dream that would fade into oblivion like so many before.
Late-night talk show hosts had their fun. They played clips from the press conference, spliced with clips of UFO sightings and cult gatherings, their audiences laughing at the absurdity. "A rock singer starting a New Era," one host quipped, "what's next? A drummer running for president?" The laughter echoed, a reminder of how alien his vision seemed to the world.
People in the streets were divided. Some dismissed it outright as another empty promise, others thought it might be a clever publicity stunt. A few, though, seemed intrigued, the idea sparking something deeper within them—a desire for change, a curiosity about what might actually be possible. But most simply didn't know what to make of it. The world had seen countless movements rise and fall, and trust was a hard-earned currency.
The singer watched all of this unfold with a calm determination. He understood the skepticism; in a way, he had expected it. He knew that presenting a vision without ideology, without politics, was a radical departure from everything people were used to. There was no established template for what he was proposing—and that made it both powerful and deeply unsettling.
So, he decided to address the doubt head-on. He arranged for a follow-up interview—a televised conversation where he could speak directly to the people, without the distortions of headlines or late-night edits. When the cameras rolled, he leaned forward, his eyes steady and voice firm.
“I know some of you think this is just another ideology,” he began, “a new religion, another set of rules someone wants you to follow. But that’s not what this is about. This isn’t about taking power, controlling thoughts, or creating an 'us versus them' scenario. It’s about something much simpler—something we all need, regardless of where we come from or what we believe in.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. “This is about change. A change that we all know needs to happen. We’ve been living in a world that prioritizes profit over people, consumption over community, and control over compassion. What I’m talking about is a new way forward—one that values brotherhood, that recognizes our responsibility to each other and to this planet. We all share this place; we all want a future where we and our children can thrive. That’s not ideology. That’s common sense.”
The interviewer, a seasoned journalist known for her sharp questions, leaned in. “But isn’t this just another utopian dream? How do you expect people to believe in this, when so many similar promises have been broken?”
He nodded, acknowledging the challenge. “I understand why people are skeptical. We’ve been let down too many times. But I’m not here to give you another ideology or ask for blind faith. I’m here with a plan. A plan to start small, to build something real—together. I’ve spoken with people across many fields, people who understand the power of collective effort. And I promise you, the path I’m suggesting doesn’t rely on some imaginary rules from the sky. It’s grounded in what we can do now, with the talents and resources we already have. It’s about being aware, about making choices that bring us closer rather than push us apart.”
The reporter leaned in and asked, "I understand that your plan to start the New Era is still a secret and will only be revealed in five months at your pre-conference and major announcement, but can you at least give us a hint of what to expect?"
The singer answered, "Yes!" He paused for a few moments, letting the anticipation build before continuing. "Let's begin with the obvious question: How do we start a new Era for humanity? To answer this, we first need to understand how things have been done up until now."
He continued, "Today, if you want to tackle global issues or make a significant impact, there are typically two main avenues. The first is through the established government—the very institutions that we elect and trust to have our best interests at heart. But are they truly capable of leading us forward, or are they too entrenched in old ways, lacking the ability to see beyond the familiar and make real, meaningful changes?
"The second avenue is through the corporate world—the engine of our economy. While they are competent, their primary motivation is profit. Even with their ambitious innovations and initiatives, which sometimes offer hope for our future, their ultimate focus remains on the bottom line. The reality is that these two approaches, with all their limitations, are what currently rule our world.
"But what if there was a third way? A path led by the free people of the world—those who are accountable only to themselves, not bound by the constraints of any institution. Imagine organizations of individuals acting purely out of a desire to uplift humanity, driven by what is in their hearts, by what they truly need, and by their understanding of the world around them. This is the direction I intend to take. This is the framework I plan to strengthen.
"The answer lies within the people themselves. All they need is the freedom to be aware, the freedom to act according to their vision—without the restrictions imposed by rigid governmental structures or the relentless pursuit of profit. How we achieve this is the plan I will announce."
He took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the camera as if trying to reach every person watching. “This isn’t going to be easy, and I don’t expect everyone to believe right away. But for those who feel the same restlessness I’ve felt—those who know we can’t keep going down the same path—I’m asking you to join me. Not because I have all the answers, but because I believe that together, we can find them. This is about a future where we protect and preserve the habitat we all share, where we uplift one another without looking for what we can take in return.”
The public response continued to be a mix of skepticism and hope. Some critics insisted that one man could never change the course of humanity. They argued that human nature was immutable—that people would always look out for themselves first, that there was an inherent 'us versus them' mentality that no speech or movement could erase. "It’s naive," they said. "The world is divided by communities, cultures, and interests, and no amount of idealism will change that. Brotherhood of Mankind? It’s a nice dream, but it's just that—a dream."
Pundits on talk shows debated endlessly, with many dismissing the idea outright. They said it was impossible for people to shed their tribal instincts, to truly unite without falling back into familiar patterns of division and distrust. "We’re wired this way," one commentator asserted. "It's in our nature to form groups, to differentiate between 'us' and 'them.' A single man with a guitar isn't going to change that."
Yet, amidst the naysayers, there were voices of hope. People who had grown tired of the constant barrage of negativity, of the never-ending cycle of conflict and separation, found solace in the singer’s message. They thanked him for giving them something to dream about, something to strive for. "Maybe it is a long shot," a young woman said during a street interview, "but isn’t it worth trying? Isn’t it worth believing that we could be better, that we could do better?"
Social media was ablaze with debates. Some posts mocked the idea, calling it "the rock star revolution," while others shared clips of his speeches with heartfelt captions. "This is what we need right now," one post read. "Someone who dares to believe in us, even when we don’t believe in ourselves." The hashtag NewEra began to trend, with people sharing their own thoughts on what a world built on brotherhood and unity might look like.
The singer watched all of this unfold, both the criticism and the support. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew people were right to be skeptical—change was hard, and history had taught them to be wary of grand promises. But he also knew that the only way forward was to keep going, to keep speaking, to keep inviting others to join him. He had planted a seed, and now it was up to everyone—those who believed, those who doubted, and those who simply hoped—to decide whether it would grow.
He decided to take the next step. In his next public address, he spoke directly to the doubts. “I hear you,” he said. “I hear those who say this can’t be done, that human nature won’t allow it. But I ask you—isn’t human nature also about love? About compassion? About the desire to protect those we care about? We’ve seen people come together in times of crisis, we’ve seen strangers help one another without expecting anything in return. That’s the part of human nature I’m speaking to. The part that wants to connect, to build, to create a world where we all thrive.”
He paused, his voice softening. “I know it’s hard to imagine. I know it’s easier to stay divided, to stick to what we know. But I believe in us—in our capacity to grow, to change, to rise above the divisions that have held us back for so long. This isn’t about one man leading the way. It’s about all of us, together, deciding that we want something different. That we want a future defined not by fear, but by hope.”
The response was quieter this time—less mocking, more contemplative. People were starting to listen, starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, a New Era wasn’t entirely out of reach. And as the days passed, the idea began to take hold, not as a grand, unattainable vision, but as a possibility—one that they, collectively, could choose to make real.
It was then that the singer decided it was time to launch his fundraising campaign. He knew that for his vision to grow beyond words, it needed resources. If he wanted to make a tangible impact, he would need the support of those who believed in the dream of a New Era. It was time to ask the people to help him take this movement to the next level.
He released a video on all his social media platforms. The setting was simple—just him sitting in a modest room, looking directly into the camera, no flashy production or dramatic effects. His message was sincere.
“Hello, everyone,” he began, his voice steady, his eyes filled with determination. “I want to thank those of you who have supported this idea so far. Whether you believe it completely or are just curious, your engagement means the world to me. But now, I need your help. We need to take this movement forward—together. We need to show that this isn’t just an idea, that it’s something real. And to do that, we need resources. We need to fund initiatives, support those who have projects that can make a difference, and spread this message farther than I ever could alone.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “I know many of you are skeptical. I know some of you are still on the fence, and that’s okay. I’m not asking for blind faith—I’m asking for action. I’m asking for us to pool our resources, no matter how small, to build something together. A world that values compassion over consumption, a world that believes in the power of people coming together. This is crowdfunding for our future, not for profit, not for power—but for hope.”
He leaned closer, his voice softening, almost as if he was speaking to each viewer personally. “Imagine what we could do. Imagine the lives we could change, the communities we could uplift, the future we could create. This isn’t about me. I’m just one man. This is about all of us—about what we can achieve if we choose to believe, even just a little, in the possibility of something better.”
The response was immediate. Donations began trickling in—small amounts at first, five dollars here, ten dollars there. But as the video was shared, the momentum grew. People who had laughed, who had dismissed the idea, started to see the sincerity in his eyes, the passion in his voice. They started to believe that maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t a futile dream.
The media picked up on it quickly. Headlines shifted from skepticism to curiosity. “The Rock Singer’s Crowdfunded Revolution” they called it. Some still mocked, but others began to take it more seriously. Interviews were requested, and more people wanted to understand what exactly he was trying to build. The singer accepted these interviews, always returning to the core message: this wasn’t about him, it was about everyone. It was about giving people the power to shape their future.
Of course, the critics remained vocal. “How can a bunch of donations change anything?” they scoffed. “This isn’t how the world works.” But the singer kept his focus. He knew the funds would be instrumental in organizing the campaign and eventually conducting the entire operation of the contest. The money would enable them to create a movement, coordinate efforts, and ensure that the contest could take place on a global scale. The funds were the catalyst, the spark that would ignite the collective will of the people.
And then there were those who, despite their doubts, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of hope. They watched as the campaign grew, as people from all walks of life contributed—artists, teachers, students, even those who had little to give but still wanted to be part of something bigger. The singer’s message was spreading, and it was no longer just his voice. It was the voices of thousands, rising together.
For the first time, the idea of a New Era seemed not just like a distant dream, but a real, tangible movement. One that was growing day by day, powered by the collective belief that change was possible—not because of one man, but because of the will of many. And the singer knew, as he watched the campaign take on a life of its own, that this was only the beginning.
Chapter 2: The Contest
Six months had passed, and the day of the big announcement had finally arrived. The room was filled with reporters, cameras, and the curious—people who had followed the buzz and were eager to see if this bold promise would come to fruition. He stood at the podium, a slight tremor in his hands, but his voice was steady. He could feel the eyes on him, the anticipation hanging in the air.
He began, "We are living in a time of immense potential, but also significant challenges. Governments have always been built with the intention of serving the people, but their inherent nature often ends up restricting us. The systems and bureaucracy in place are designed to maintain control, which ultimately limits our potential and stifles real change. The bureaucracy, outdated policies, and resistance to change are preventing us from realizing our true potential. Corporations, too, driven by profit and market forces, and even our deeply ingrained beliefs—all of these keep us confined, blinding us to the possibilities that lie ahead."
He paused, scanning the crowd. "The government, for example, gives the impression that we, the people, are in control because we elect our leaders. But the truth is, even those leaders are trapped—trapped by ideologies, by institutional training that tells them how things must be done. They’re unable to imagine a different future, and so we keep repeating the same mistakes."
He continued, "Corporations, too, are part of this system. They drive progress, yes, but they are bound by profit. It's not their fault—it's the foundation of our economy. Profit drives innovation, but it also blinds us to the damage we’re causing to our environment, to each other. Even when we see glimpses of hope—renewable energy, technological advances—these initiatives are still motivated by profit."
He let his words hang for a moment, the room utterly silent. "But what about those who act out of pure intention? The people who want to help simply because it's the right thing to do? Where are they in all of this? Their voices are missing. And that’s what we need to change."
He felt a surge of passion rising in his chest. "That’s why I am here today. To start something new. I am announcing a contest—a contest for ideas, for projects that can change the world. Not for profit, not for power, but for humanity. And this contest will be funded by all of us—through crowdfunding, through the will of the people who believe we can be better."
A murmur ran through the room, a mix of surprise and curiosity. He pressed on, "This is about creating a New Era. One where we are not bound by outdated systems or driven by greed. One where we let the wisdom of the masses guide us, where we come together not because of politics or profit, but because we believe in each other. This is our chance, our moment. Let's create something meaningful. Let’s change everything."
He continued, “There are a few simple rules for entering the contest: First, the project must be global in nature. It should touch the lives of people across the globe, not just a select region or community. For example, a group aiming to help only one region, like improving lives in a particular part of Africa, would not qualify. However, if the goal is to help communities worldwide, then the project is eligible. The initiative must address issues that are relevant to everyone, transcending geographical boundaries.
Second, the organization must not have a binding ideology. This means that specific political, religious, or ideological beliefs cannot define it. Instead, it should align with values that unite humanity—like protecting our environment, acting on evidence, promoting well-being, and fostering mutual respect. You may uphold values like 'Do not do unto others what you don’t want done to you,' but adherence to specific religions or political ideologies, including socialism, capitalism, or liberalism, will disqualify the group. Our values come from within us and our understanding of the world—not from myths or doctrines exclusive to certain groups or cultures. The emphasis here is on universal human values, not dogma.
Lastly, the subject matter should be positive and constructive. Topics such as protecting our Earth, advancing education, sharing practical knowledge on sustainable living, fostering community well-being, and promoting art, sports, and cultural exchange are all encouraged. The aim is to elevate humanity—together.”
"Let me share a few examples of projects that I would love to see participating in the contest."
"I discovered a remarkable website dedicated to promoting home education. What makes this idea truly special is the approach of creating study programs using the collective wisdom of the masses—an ever-growing, dynamic global repository of practical knowledge designed to guide parents in teaching their children. This site does not exclude traditional classroom learning with teachers and dozens of students. Instead, it emphasizes that before embarking on this path, children must first learn how to learn independently and prove their progress with personal projects. In large classrooms, teachers are simply unable to cater to the individual well-being of each student or ensure that each one genuinely understands the material.
The current reliance on standardized testing only widens the gap between students. That's why homeschooling becomes so vital in this context. In this model, small classes are organized by parents who take turns teaching, with no more than five children per group. This ensures each child receives personalized attention, and parents can understand whether their children are truly absorbing the material. This approach eliminates the need for tests and homework because real learning happens during class time, hands-on and engaging.
Imagine parents taking on the most fundamental role in their children's education—nurturing their growth directly. The world would be so much better for it. This initiative could spark a global revolution in how we care for and educate our children, proving that grassroots action often outshines institutional efforts driven by executives. I hope to see this project take part in the contest."
The second example takes a broader view, highlighting initiatives that dispatch volunteer teams around the world to uplift communities and improve their quality of life. These volunteers help teach essential skills—how to construct sustainable housing, gain access to clean water, harness solar power for electricity, and much more. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when people come together without the influence of politics—an effort powered by 'we the people,' making choices that benefit everyone. This kind of grassroots action, driven by unity and purpose, is precisely the type of initiative I want to see participating in the contest.
He leaned in and said, "That's it. I hope this conveys the spirit of what I'm aiming to achieve with this contest—a world driven by the people, not by the ideologies that seek to control our lives. These ideologies are just narratives that pull us away from what truly matters, blinding us to our own values and the reality around us. We must liberate ourselves from these invisible chains, with the government and economy becoming instruments that serve us, rather than powers that rule over us."
He stepped back, the crowd erupting in a flurry of questions and excitement. He knew this was only the beginning. The real work lay ahead. It was up to him and those who believed in the vision to ignite the fire that would carry humanity into this New Era—a fire started not with power or wealth, but with the spark of human will.