Culture & Behavior

Where economics fails

by

A major source of mistaken policy toward natural resources is the assumption, enshrined in modern economic theory, that the goods and services provided by nature are subject to the same rules as those provided by human labor. This seems abstract enough, but its impacts are profoundly tangible — and may well include the financial crisis currently shaking the global economy to its core.

What the Amish have to teach us about Transition

by

The Amish ran privately-owned family farms for centuries until the latter part of the 20th century when they began taking jobs off the farm where they made good money, but many also became seduced by consumerism. They gradually spent more money, allowed themselves some of the conveniences previously shunned in order to live more simply, and found themselves caught up in spending more money and buying things they didn’t need … One Amish man comments on the need to return to basics: “We were all going way too fast. This has made everybody stop and realize we’re just pilgrims here…”

Disaster Transitionism

by

If you haven’t read Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, you really should. It’s an examination of how the Chicago School of Economics and its adherents have taken advantage of or created crises to further their privatization agendas.

Investing in durability

by

If you are planning to withdraw, please tell me where you’re going, and send directions. If not, it’s time to start thinking about how you and your family or tribe will muddle through the years ahead. One word comes to mind: durability. If that wasn’t the first word that came to your mind, I’m not surprised.