ABSTRACT
In this final chapter we identify and explore any lasting lessons from our research. What, if anything, can be learned from a study of intentional communities across a country which, for many, is thought of as lying at the end of the earth? Have these (usually small) communities scattered across this remote country anything to tell the rest of us? We think they do. What they have to tell us falls into three broad areas. Firstly, we have learned something about utopia – both the phenomenon of utopianism and the study of utopias. Secondly, we have learned important lessons about the study of intentional communities. And finally, our research sheds light on lessons that we can all share – these are lessons about living together.
