<p>Let’s dive into the heart of Burning Man — the ten defining principles written by Burning Man co-founder Larry Harvey in 2004:</p>
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<li><strong>Radical Inclusion</strong>: Anyone can be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect strangers. There are no prerequisites for participation in our community. This principle is reflected in the fact that Burning Man attracts truly diverse people from various backgrounds, professions, nations, etc. On the other hand, despite various efforts, the majority of attendees are still white people who can afford to participate, which is frankly not cheap (both in terms of ticket prices and the amount of money needed for preparation, such as camp fees, equipment, etc.).</li>
<li><strong>Gifting</strong>: Burning Man is dedicated to acts of gifting. The value of a gift is unconditional, and it does not imply a return or exchange for something of equal value. This is a very pleasant principle — everyone around engages in acts of gifting simply “because we can.” Surprises await you at every corner, and you quickly find yourself drawn into the process, looking for ways to be helpful and what you can give. Usually, people prepare in advance for this; for instance, I bought many small glass vials (3-5 ml) beforehand and offered them as a way to take a little piece of the experience home as a memory. One of those vials sits on my beloved bookshelf at home, reminding me of that magical time. But gifting is not just about physical gifts; it also includes hugs, conversations, unique experiences (which I will talk about later), art (which we created), and much more. I was very struck by the idea that even the way people dress is, in fact, an act of gifting. By putting effort into creating costumes, people gift emotions to others. In fact, I believe this principle is one of the most important foundations of Burning Man.</li>
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