Principles
The rules we live by. These will change — in the open, with the people who use this site.
Read the books
Earthseed comes from two novels by Octavia E. Butler: Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. Nothing here replaces them. We describe the ideas in our own words. When we quote the Earthseed verses, we cite them and write about them — the full text belongs in her books. Borrow them from your library, or buy them from an independent or Black-owned bookstore.
We're independent
earthseed.online is a community project by readers. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or speaking for Octavia E. Butler's estate or her publishers.
No prophets
No one here leads Earthseed — not the people who built this site, and not an AI. The Parables are honest about how belief can be twisted by whoever holds the microphone. We'd rather have many small voices than one loud one.
AI is a tool, said plainly
When an AI helps on this site, it says so. It doesn't pretend to be Butler or any of her characters, and it doesn't write scripture. It can help you think, plan, learn, and organize. Meaning is yours.
You are not the product
No ads. No trackers. We don't sell or mine your data. We collect only what a feature needs, and we tell you what that is.
Your community is yours
Groups that form here own their practice and their records. They can leave, take their data with them, and change in any direction they choose. That's rather the point.
Change is the work
This site will change. So will these principles — in the open, with the people who use it.