Maudcat....I think the communal living idea is a fabulous one....
I just bought the book "Tribe" and am anxious to read it! However, I bought "Sapiens" (a brief history of humankind)...and I can't put it down.....so, "Tribe" will have to wait a little while......
I think that the central premise of "Tribe" is that we are meant to live in groups of about 40 or so.......
I like the beekeeper story....I will look Sue Hubbell up....we share something in common!!