#100 Key Moments

Democracy fades when we stop cooperating. But how do we practice cooperation in everyday life? A good place to start is the hallway. Do you actually know the people who live right next door to you? Most of the time, a casual “hello” as you pass by is about all we manage.

This is exactly where this small but thoroughly challenging neighborhood experiment comes in. It’s about taking a real leap of faith.

Give a key to your apartment or front door to someone in your neighborhood (no more than 10 doors away from you). Ask them to water your plants or check the mail while you’re away for a few days.

Ask yourself:

• Who will you choose? And why?
• How does it feel to grant someone you hardly interact with in everyday life unrestricted and unmonitored access to your private space?
• How does the experiment affect your relationship with each other?

If the “key” experiment feels a bit too extreme to start with, you can build up to it in smaller steps. Here are three alternative, smaller experiments:

• Don’t invite your neighbors into your apartment right away; instead, leave an item with them that’s important to you (a favorite book, a plant for them to care for on their balcony, an important document). Do you sense the same skepticism as with the key?
• Give a small gift (homemade cookies, a slice of cake) to someone in your building whom you’ve never spoken to before—just because, with no strings attached. Observe the reaction: Does it trigger skepticism? Or might it lead to a new connection?

We hope you have fun building relationships with your neighbors!