What Is the Commons—And Why Does It Matter Today?

If the Commons is such a compelling alternative, why is it still so marginal in public discourse?

Ask around, and you’ll likely get one of three reactions:

• “The what?”—from those who’ve never encountered the term.
• “That old hippie idea?”—from those who associate it with 60s idealism and dreamy utopias.
• “Ah yes, the tragedy.”—from those trained in economics or political science.

Each of these reactions is understandable. And each reflects a different kind of misunderstanding or forgetting. By the end of this article, we hope to see why these responses are normal—and why it’s time to leave them behind.