The Common Well Cooperative (PMA)

Initial Discernment Questionnaire


(Responses are private. There are no correct answers.)

When you think about money, what emotion is most present for you right now?

Do you believe most people are fundamentally trustworthy, fundamentally self-interested, or something else? Please explain briefly.

Describe a situation in your life where cooperation with others produced a better outcome than acting alone.

How do you personally define “having enough”?

Have you ever walked away from an opportunity because it conflicted with your values? If so, what was the cost?

When someone shares sensitive information with you, what determines whether you keep it private?

Do you believe privacy is a right, a privilege, or a responsibility? Why?

In your view, what is the difference between being capable and being entitled?

How comfortable are you with long-term commitments that do not promise immediate or measurable returns?

Describe a time when remaining silent was more appropriate than speaking.

When working within a group, what frustrates you most?

Do you believe individuals succeed primarily because of personal effort, collective support, circumstance, or a combination? Explain.

How do you typically respond when you are not recognized or acknowledged for your contribution?

What does “confidentiality” mean to you in practical, everyday terms?

Have you ever been entrusted with information that, if shared publicly, could have benefited you personally? What did you do?

Do you believe wealth changes a person’s character, reveals it, or has no effect? Why?

When you imagine a future where your basic needs are securely met, how do you see yourself spending your time?

How do you distinguish between public information and private knowledge in your own life?

What responsibilities, if any, do you believe come with increased financial capacity?

Describe an experience that significantly changed how you view cooperation, trust, or community.

Are you more motivated by independence or interdependence? Please explain your reasoning.

How do you handle situations where others move more slowly or cautiously than you would prefer?

In your opinion, what causes most cooperative efforts to fail?

Do you believe that some processes should remain undisclosed even if they are lawful and beneficial? Why or why not?

How do you personally determine whether something should be shared widely or kept within a trusted circle?

What does personal integrity mean to you when no one is watching?

Have you ever felt unworthy of having more than you currently do? If so, where do you believe that belief originated?

When joining something new, what matters more to you: understanding the structure or understanding the people involved?

How do you respond to systems or groups that require restraint rather than visibility?

What would cause you to step away from a collective effort, even if it was materially beneficial to you?



 Proceed to Foundational Formative Concepts →

No obligation. No urgency. Silence is acceptable.