Lafayette Morehouse

The cornerstone of the "More philosophy" is the concept of perfectionthe belief that people and situations are right the way they are and that perfection includes the potential for change. This includes the viewpoint that individuals are totally responsible for their lives, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The term "More" is used in the sense that "if the world is good, then more can only mean better." Residents consider themselves to be "responsible hedonists" with the idea that the best possible life includes concern for the welfare of others and that apparent pleasure at the expense of others is not pleasure. This viewpoint is expressed in a quote from Dr. Baranco: "Fun is the goal; love is the way." == History ==

The community was founded by Dr. Victor Baranco (son of the Oakland jazz pianist Wilbert Baranco), a self-made millionaire who had achieved "the American dream" but was still looking for more in life. while serving the world unselfishly and profiting by it. While sensuality was only one among many areas of investigation, this was the topic for which the group became best known. More University was authorized to grant bachelor of humanities degrees, master's degrees in communication, as well as doctoral degrees in lifestyles and sensuality, with the faculty drawn from senior members of the group. It completely complied with the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 1977 as a “State Authorized” university. Although criticized as a “diploma mill,” over a 20-year period it granted degrees to fewer than 90people. In 1997, responding to a change in the law, Lafayette Morehouse declined to pursue recertification of the university under the new rules, and More University was dissolved. Cynthia Baranco, his widow and constant companion of 27 years, has led the group in continuing its social research, adding new courses to the curriculum and a feminine voice to the group's teaching. On July 14, 2018, the community celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over the years a substantial number of communal living experiments using Morehouse principles have been conducted. Most of these have been in northern California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Hawaii, and other states. == Life in the community ==

The everyday goal is to live pleasurably with one's friends. Residents adhere to a strict sexual health screening program, begun in the late 1970s, to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The political expression of the More philosophy is called the one no-vote, a decision-making system in which any participant, regardless of age, gender, time with the community, or any other factor can cast an irrevocable no-vote that stops any proposed new action. This system is meant to encourage open communication and ensure that all voices are heard and considered before moving forward. == Business ==

The business of Lafayette Morehouse Inc. relies on word of mouth, without advertising. The courses, in which research findings are presented, are held at various locations and produce income for communally-held goals, communal financial obligations, and ongoing research. Course topics include pleasurable interpersonal relationships, effective communication, alternative lifestyles, jealousy, money, philosophical viewpoints on perfection, and gratifying sensual life. "It is not our goal to have others live as we do, but rather to offer our findings so that our students can use whatever elements they find beneficial. Those situations that all people encounter and must resolve to have happy, fulfilling lives are addressed in these courses." One source estimates that had taken at least one Lafayette Morehouse course, and over 1,000 people had lived in a Morehouse and participated in the social research. == Criticisms and controversies ==

More University was criticized for not having the faculty and facilities of a conventional university. According to a 1994 article in Heterodoxy magazine, the choice of faculty was criticized as being too insular. The section on Baranco was repackaged from two Rolling Stone magazine articles, and the principal allegation was that he profited excessively by having group members pay to live in houses while renovating them. It was reported that Jann Wenner, the editor of Rolling Stone, said the material on Baranco was written to personally attack Baranco. These allegations against Baranco have not been repeated since 1972. Many journalists have described Morehouse as a "sex commune" focusing on the group's sexual research and courses taught on sexual topics. The group has been criticized for having poor relationships with its neighbors. Neighbors were angered by the influx of unattractive people, and the county sought to enforce zoning codes to end the activity. The group argued it was their right to use their own home to take care of people that were homeless. To mute extensive criticism in the press, the group undertook a lawsuit against the San Francisco Chronicle, which they lost. After a long court battle with Contra Costa County, Lafayette Morehouse was ordered to take down the tents. == Notes ==

• , published irregularly from 1969 to 2004 • == References ==