Dagstuhl, an innovative research center in Germany that hosts leading computer science seminars, further promotes creativity and exchange of knowledge through their honor system.  Everything is open 24/7 and unmonitored, including the library, computer labs, sauna, and game rooms — and all the soda, beer, bottled water, wine, chocolates, and other delicious snacks located in the research castle are available via the honor system.  During check-in, you are provided with a sheet that allows you to mark what you consumed, and you pay upon check-out.

This is such a stark contrast to hotels, such as the Bellagio, where their mini-bar is weight-sensored, and you are charged automatically when the weight shifts or changes!  Thank goodness for computer scientists and the honor system.  For more photos of the innovative Dagstuhl, visit this photostream of a researcher currently studying at the castle.  (Image courtsey of David Monniaux via Wikimedia)

This week’s honor system is in Tosa-Shimizu, a beautiful coastal city in Japan.  According to Omid Abroad (where you can read more about the city and see more of his pictures), along the road, there are surprising wooden cubicles that lovingly feature items for sale via the honor system, including artwork, handmade musical instruments, persimmons fruit, and other treasures.  You simply place the money into the box and walk away a happy, honorable customer.

Happy weekend everyone!  May it be filled with unexpected surprises and delights!

Inspired by all your wonderful stories and comments from last week’s Honor System post, I hope to share a honor system story each Friday to inspire us into the weekend.  I always welcome your stories and photos via comments or email of honor systems that you have the joy of encountering in your life!

This week’s honor system story comes from Batanes Islands, Philippines.  Last week, reader Neilkriss told me about the wonderful province, where all the locals follow the honor system for commerce.  “Tourists who visit the island may eat and drink in an eatery and pay what they think is the just amount for their meal.”   From photographer hansypattucci, I came upon the aptly named “Honesty Coffee Shop,” which is in Batanes and indeed runs completly by the honor system.  Don’t you think this entire philosophy makes this tropical oasis truly paradise?

When I lived in Hawaii, I loved coming upon different tropical flower and craft stands in the rain forests — all which stood unattended, save for a simple metal box that accepted payment via the honor system.  A few weeks ago, I wandered by a vintage sidewalk sale, whose cashier was a hat box that stated, “Leave a nice money.” These instances make me very happy — knowing that there are others too who believe that there is underlying good in human nature.

From yoel herzberg‘s Flickr photostream, this bookstore in Neve Tzedek in Tel Aviv operates on the same delightful honor system.  A tin can and a door slot are the cashier, while the lady who owns the home and shop stops in to only leave poems and quotes on her door.  In this sense, this is a beautiful “store without a key.”

May this weekend be filled with unexpected surprises about the human spirit!

P.S.  I apologize for the quick postings this week, as I’ve been working on a shoot, but I shall have fun goodies to share next week!