Whenever I start a book which looks as if it might be hard going I turn to the last chapter in the hope that I will find a summary of what the book is all about. In the case of 'Prosperity Without Growth' Tim Jackson came up trumps! The first para of his final chapter hit the nail on the head ...
'Society is faced with a profound dilemma. To resist growth is to risk economic and social collapse. To pursue it relentlessly is to endanger the ecosystems on which we depend for long-term survival. For the most part this dilemma goes unrecognised in mainstream policy. It's only marginally more visible as a public debate.' AND
'The dilemma, once recognised, looms so dangerously over our future that we are desperate to believe in miracles. Technology will save us. Capitalism is good at technology. So let's just keep the show on the road and hope for the best.' AND
'This delusional strategy has reached its limits. Simplistic assumptions that capitalism's propensity for efficiency will stabilise the climate and solve the problem of resource scarcity are almost literally bankrupt. We now stand in urgent need of a clearer vision ... '
Looks very promising. Perhaps 'Prosperity Without Growth' will come up with simple answers to my questions at last. Can't wait to find out ...
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