smart

adjective

1. the ability to recognize all the points where information connects; possessing mental agility and contextual awareness rooted in acquired or recalled knowledge:

example: she was smart enough to connect the new AI policy to broader historical trends in surveillance and control.

example: his smart response drew from both his technical expertise and his knowledge of institutional politics.

related terms:

street smart: practical intelligence based on lived experience rather than formal education.

smart thinking: reasoning that effectively links ideas and outcomes.

usage note:

to be “smart” implies the ability to locate and articulate links between pieces of information, often using recall, education, or experience.

intelligence

noun

1. the ability to obtain information and understand how it relates to the whole; a cognitive capacity rooted in perception, pattern recognition, and contextual integration beyond surface appearances:

example: true intelligence involves seeing how social, ecological, and technological systems interact, not just understanding each in isolation.

2. a state of awareness that allows for the recognition of how information connects that extend beyond the appearance of data or facts:

example: his intelligence became clear when he traced the long-term social impact of seemingly unrelated policy decisions.

related terms:

intelligent design: purposeful architecture with awareness of broader context and consequences.

systems intelligence: the ability to understand, navigate, and influence complex interrelated structures.

perceptual intelligence: an intuitive grasp of deeper patterns and relationships not evident at first glance.

usage note:

the term “intelligence” refers not just to the gathering of data or the speed of processing, but to the deeper capacity to situate information within larger contexts—social, ecological, historical, or existential. It reflects one’s ability to perceive interdependence, recognize emerging patterns, and grasp the implications of knowledge across time and scale.

wisdom

noun

1. the ability to know when, where, and how to apply information effectively for an intended purpose:

example: her wisdom was evident in how she chose to withhold her opinion until the moment it could have the most impact.

2. a capacity developed through experience, reflection, and discernment that guides the application of knowledge toward intended outcomes:

example: his wisdom shaped the entire world’s transition to a model that centered sustainability and human dignity.

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related terms:

cultural wisdom: shared knowledge passed through generations that shapes values, rituals, and decisions.

embodied wisdom: knowing that arises through lived, sensory, and relational experiences rather than abstraction.

usage note:

wisdom is not simply the accumulation of knowledge, but the art of applying it with precision. it is often marked by restraint, timing, and an orientation toward intended outcomes. In contrast to being “smart,” which can be performative or tactical, wisdom is deeply relational and rooted in higher-order insight.

knowledge

noun

1. the accumulation of information, facts, and understandings acquired through experience, education, or exposure:

example: her knowledge of regenerative systems came from both formal study and hands-on work with sustainable communities.

2. a repository of contextualized data that can be recalled, referenced, or applied toward understanding a subject or solving a problem:

example: their deep knowledge of colonial histories helped reshape the organization’s global equity strategy.

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related terms:

knowledge base: a collection of accumulated information within a domain.

tacit knowledge: intuitive understanding developed through lived experience.

formal knowledge: information structured through academic or institutional channels.

usage note:

knowledge refers to the substance of what is known—facts, insights, patterns, and context. It is a foundation but not a destination.

knowing

noun

1. the internal, active experience of awareness, perception, or insight that arises from synthesis, intuition, or direct relational engagement:

example: her knowing of the forest came not from books, but from years of walking it in silence.

2. a state of conscious recognition that transcends memorization or recall, integrating lived experience, sensitivity, and context:

example: he acted from a place of deep knowing—something felt rather than taught.

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related terms:

intuitive knowing: non-linear understanding that arises without analytical reasoning.

embodied knowing: awareness shaped by physical, emotional, and sensory experience.

deep knowing: a grounded state of inner clarity that directs thought and action.

usage note:

“knowing” refers to the felt and integrated experience of understanding. it goes beyond data or theory and reflects one’s alignment with lived, sensed, and embodied experiences of knowledge acquisition.

while knowledge can be stored or transmitted, knowing is relational, contextual, and often unspeakable—anchored in presence, discernment, and connectedness.

not knowing

noun

1. a conscious or unconscious state of being unaware, uninformed, or lacking understanding about a subject, situation, or system:

example: their not knowing of the long-term ecological consequences led to short-sighted development policies.

2. a reflective or intentional suspension of certainty that allows for openness, curiosity, and deeper inquiry beyond surface-level assumptions:

example: she approached the unfamiliar culture with a posture of not knowing, allowing her to listen more deeply and learn with humility.

related terms:

epistemic humility: the recognition and acceptance of the limits of one’s knowledge.

ignorance: a lack of knowledge or awareness, often with negative implications.

beginner’s mind: a zen concept describing an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions.

usage note:

“not knowing” can be both a limitation and a virtue. in its unconscious form, it reflects ignorance or disconnection. in its conscious form, it becomes a powerful state of presence and potential—an invitation to learn, unlearn, and remain open to emerging truths.

clean

adjective

not posing any harm or risk to human health when ingested or released from the body, without causing adverse effects or toxicity:

example: the water from this source is considered clean, as it won’t cause any harm or risk to human health when consumed and does not contain harmful contaminants.

a substance or condition that does not disrupt the balance or health of the ecosystem, supporting its normal functioning without causing harm to its components:

example: the air in this region is clean because it not only sustains diverse plant and animal life, preserving ecosystem health and biodiversity, but it also contains no contaminants that may cause harm or risk to human health or environmental damage to the earth’s natural ecosystems.

noun

a state or quality of being free from harmful contaminants or disruptions, promoting human and environmental well-being:

example: the company's commitment to clean production practices is applaudable because it does not produce any pollution and has no negative environmental impact.

verb

to remove or eliminate contaminants or impurities from a substance or environment, restoring it to a safe and healthy condition:

example: efforts to clean up the polluted river improved water quality and revived aquatic habitats.

related terms:

cleanliness: the state of being free from dirt, pollutants, or harmful substances.

environmental clean-up: actions taken to remediate pollution or contamination in natural habitats.

usage note:

the term "clean" refers to substances, conditions, or practices that are free from harmful contaminants or disruptions, promoting human health and environmental integrity. in the context of ecosystems, it signifies a state that supports biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and habitat preservation, contributing to overall ecological well-being.

clean products and services do not contain or produce any substance that poses any harm or risk to human health when ingested or released from the body. it should not cause any adverse effects or toxicity.

clean products and services do not contain or produce any substance or create conditions that disrupts the balance or health of the earth’s natural ecosystem. if it is clean it supports the normal functioning of the ecosystem without causing harm to its components, such as plants, animals, microorganisms, and their interactions. this could include factors like maintaining biodiversity, sustaining nutrient cycles, and preserving habitat integrity.

green

adjective

of or related to a natural resources-based origin:

example: the product is labeled as "green," indicating that it is derived from natural plant sources.

transparent about the specific natural resources used:

example: the company is committed to being green by providing detailed information about the specific plant and mineral sources used in their products or services.

noun

a designation for products or services emphasizing the characteristics of the natural resources used:

example: consumers are increasingly seeking out green alternatives, prioritizing products that are environmentally friendly and openly disclose the natural resources used as ingredients.

verb

to adopt or promote practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and natural origins:

example: the organization aims to green its operations by incorporating natural processes and utilizing naturally formed minerals and materials.

adverb

in a manner that aligns with principles of environmental consciousness and transparency about components natural to the environment:

example: the company communicates its commitment to operating green, ensuring consumers are well-informed about the ecological impact of their choices.

related terms:

greenwashing: the deceptive practice of conveying a false impression of environmental responsibility.

green certification: recognition or endorsement indicating compliance with environmentally friendly standards.

usage note:

the term "green" in the context of products and services emphasizes a commitment to environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on transparency regarding the natural resources utilized.

Green: ask yourself “are the ingredients and/or materials naturally formed by our natural environment and not bio-engineered by a human or machine”.

Example: a mushroom burger made with mushrooms bio-engineered or grown in a lab is not “green”.

renewable

adjective

pertaining to a material source that is naturally replenished by its own natural processes and capable of continuous utilization without exhaustion or depletion:

example: renewable energy are energy sources that rely on its own natural processes for continual replenishment.

noun

a resource or energy source that is naturally replenished by its own natural processes and can be utilized sustainably without depletion:

example: sustainable forestry practices ensure the renewal of timber resources by their own natural processes, allowing for their continued utilization without depletion.

verb

to regenerate or replenish a resource or energy source by its own natural processes, ensuring its continued availability for use:

example: without agricultural practices such as crop rotation, soil fertility would not be considered renewable and long-term agricultural productivity would not be possible.

related terms:

renewable energy: energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished by its own natural processes, contributing to a sustainable energy future.

renewable resource management: strategies aimed at conserving and sustainably utilizing renewable resources to ensure their availability for our future needs.

usage note:

the term "renewable" describes resources or energy sources that are continuously replenished by their natural processes, enabling their utilization without depletion. focusing on sustainability, renewable resources play a crucial role in reducing reliance on finite alternatives and minimizing environmental impact.

sustainability

noun

development that meets present needs without depleting resources for future development:

example: sustainability involves practices that balance the current requirements of the developer while ensuring the preservation of resources for future use.

adjective

characterized by the ability to maintain ecological balance and minimize environmental impact in the moment.

example: the company's sustainability initiatives focus on reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices throughout its current operations.

related terms:

sustainable development: the approach that seeks to address current needs without compromising the ability of future developers to meet their own needs.

environmental stewardship: responsible management and care for the environment to ensure its health and sustainability.

usage note:

sustainability, as a concept, emphasizes the responsible use of resources in development, aiming to strike a balance between meeting current needs and safeguarding resources for our future needs.

example: in the pursuit of sustainable practices, the utilization of silicon in technologies like solar panels and wind turbines underscores the importance of responsible resource management. although silicon is abundant in the earth’s crust, we cannot endlessly extract it as its processing require energy-intensive methods that are not sustainable. this emphasizes the need for judicious use of silicon to ensure its long-term environmental sustainability.

what is the endogenous sustainable economy?

the endogenous sustainable economy is an economic model where sustainability is embedded directly into the core operations of businesses and industries. unlike traditional economic models that rely on external incentives or regulations to promote sustainable practices, the endogenous approach emphasizes internal transformation. this means rethinking how businesses operate—redesigning processes, supply chains, and product lifecycles—to minimize environmental impact while enhancing economic resilience.

key principles:

• intrinsic efficiency: by integrating sustainability into fundamental operations, businesses can achieve inherent efficiencies and long-term cost savings, reducing reliance on short-term incentives like discounts or concessions.

• systemic benefits: widespread adoption of this model can lead to decreased resource scarcity, lower production costs, and diminished need for regulatory interventions, fostering a more stable and predictable economic environment.

• proactive strategy: instead of reacting to environmental damage, the endogenous economy advocates for preventing harm from the outset, aligning economic activities with ecological well-being.

by embedding sustainability into the very fabric of economic operations, the endogenous sustainable economy offers a pathway to long-term prosperity that benefits both businesses and the planet.