I’d like to share a book here which I’ve recently read that helped me development a new world view for myself. The book, written by the economic anthropologist Jason Hickel, is called:

“Less is More - How Degrowth Will Save The World”

Although the subtitle only mentions Degrowth, it’s much more than that. In the first half of the book, Hickel mostly talks about the history of Capitalism, its character and why it fails in regards to true sustainability and equality. The book may focus on climate change and how we should combat it with Degrowth but the author also takes on other issues, such as the global North-South divide.

In the second half, he presents his solution which is called “Degrowth”. Degrowth is fundamentally about getting rid of excessive economic growth and the profit-driven mindset of Capitalism for a more sustainable and just world.

The book is very well written, down-to-earth and easy to understand with fleshed out, rational arguments and explanations.

So, if any of you have some time to read and are interested in the topic then I highly recommend giving this book a try!

  • vxnxnt@feddit.deOP
    3·
    2 years ago

    tbh, I don’t really want to go into nitty gritty of this discussion because it’s only a matter of moments before It will be necessary to write thousands of words

    Yeah, I understand that and I agree. However, there is one thing I would like to elaborate on regarding the selected highlights.

    For one thing, Degrowth is fundamentally anticapitalist and ultimately believes in more democratization (which it has in common with Socialism and Communism). And Communism is also arguably just as politically unlikely regarding established interests and power relations.

    Also from the same article:

    Economies can be stabilized without growth if basic monetary, fiscal, labor, and welfare institutions are transformed

    However in the end, I do agree with you that combining Degrowth with Socialism and Communism is best since they can complement each other in lacking areas while also bringing multiple communities together. (e.g. Degrowth focussing on the environmental aspects and Marxism on the social and economic aspects)