The 10 Principles of Burning Man are guiding tenets developed by Larry Harvey in 2004 as a reflection of the community's ethos and culture. They are not rules in a strict sense but rather ideals the community strives to uphold.
Here is a summary of the 10 Principles:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Radical Inclusion | Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. No prerequisites exist for participation. |
| Gifting | Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. |
| Decommodification | To preserve the spirit of gifting, commercial sponsorships and transactions are excluded. |
| Radical Self-Reliance | Participants are encouraged to discover and rely on their inner resources. |
| Radical Self-Expression | Participants are encouraged to express themselves freely and uniquely. |
| Communal Effort | Community, creativity, cooperation, and collaborative social networks are valued. |
| Civic Responsibility | Participants are expected to act responsibly and obey laws. |
| Leaving No Trace | The community is committed to leaving the event site cleaner than they found it. |
| Participation | Everyone is invited to contribute and participate actively. |
| Immediacy | Participants are encouraged to experience the present moment fully. |
These principles foster a unique environment focused on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance in the temporary city built in the Black Rock Desert. You can find more information about the principles on the official Burning Man website.
Delving Deeper into the 10 Principles
Let's explore each principle in more detail.
1. Radical Inclusion
Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. This principle emphasizes that the event is open to everyone, regardless of background, identity, or belief. There are no prerequisites for participation other than adhering to the principles themselves.
- Practical Insight: This means embracing diversity and welcoming newcomers to the community.
2. Gifting
Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. Gifts are not exchanged for payment, nor is there an expectation of a return. Gifting is about contributing value or positive experiences to others freely.
- Examples: Offering water to someone who looks thirsty, sharing a skill, giving away art or trinkets, hosting a theme camp activity for everyone.
3. Decommodification
To preserve the spirit of gifting, commercial sponsorships, transactions, and advertising are excluded from the event. There is no marketplace in the traditional sense; aside from ice and coffee vendors managed by the organization, everything is gifted or shared.
- Why it matters: This principle protects the culture from consumption and exploitation, focusing interactions on human connection and creativity rather than commerce.
4. Radical Self-Reliance
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources. The desert environment can be harsh, and participants are expected to bring everything they need to survive and thrive.
- Practical Application: Packing sufficient food, water, shelter, and supplies, and being prepared to handle unexpected challenges independently or by seeking help from fellow participants based on other principles like Communal Effort.
5. Radical Self-Expression
Radical Self-Expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. This principle empowers participants to express their true selves without fear of judgment.
- Examples: Creating and displaying art, wearing elaborate costumes, performing music, or simply being authentically oneself.
6. Communal Effort
Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. Participants are encouraged to work together to build and maintain the infrastructure, art, and culture of the temporary city.
- How it works: This is seen in the formation of theme camps, collaborative art projects, and volunteers working together on various tasks to make the event possible.
7. Civic Responsibility
We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for civic well-being and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants and enforce rules. While Burning Man emphasizes freedom, it also requires participants to act responsibly, respecting local, state, and federal laws, as well as event guidelines.
- Key Point: This includes following safety rules, respecting others, and contributing to the overall health and safety of the community.
8. Leaving No Trace
Our community is committed to leaving no physical trace of its activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than we found them. This is crucial given the fragile desert environment where the event takes place.
- Method: This involves meticulously cleaning up all trash, debris, and even greywater, a practice known as "MOOP" (Matter Out Of Place).
9. Participation
We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through deeply personal participation. Everyone is a participant, not a spectator. The event is created by its attendees.
- What it means: Engaging actively in the community, contributing your energy, skills, or unique perspective, whether building art, helping a neighbor, or joining a dance party.
10. Immediacy
We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. Immediacy is the most important touchstone of value in our culture. This principle encourages participants to live in the moment and engage directly with their surroundings and the people in them.
- Benefit: This fosters genuine connections and profound experiences by reducing distractions and encouraging presence.
These principles collectively create the unique culture of Burning Man, encouraging a temporary society built on creativity, community, and radical self-reliance.
