Secrets and Hope in Our Mad World

Early in 2017 I read George Marshall’s book ‘Don’t Even Think About It: Why We are Wired Not to Think About Climate Change’ and I decided I would think about it. And I would read about it. Then I would write about it.

I write as a 'non-expert' and I'm hoping that your comments will help me to see whether the insights I've

gained make sense, whether the conclusions stack up and whether it's realistic for me to start feeling

hopeful about the future .

15th November - Are the needs of capitalism compatible with the needs of we humans?

I did promise myself that I would turn my attention to looking for the good stuff to see just what is HAPPENING in the world which is moving us towards a better future.  Not what is being said or written about but what is HAPPENING.  And I have walked up something of a blind alley ... 
I can't really see anything which is really challenging the status quo, which is wakening us from our sleep, which is truly inspirational.
So, I've decided to test out my idea (theory?) that many of the ills of the world stem from our love-affair with neo-liberal capitalism based on material consumption which is the ideology/economic system which is gradually spreading throughout our world and which tells us that we will all have a better life if we work hard and don't let state regulation get in the way of individual entrepreneurs whose energy and creativity and vision will lead us all into the promised land.
I've decided to look at whether neo-liberal (I think that means free-market) capitalism is really the villain of the piece by looking at the what it needs to operate effectively and see whether these needs sit comfortably with the needs of we individual humans.  
Just what does free-market industrial capitalism need to work effectively?  If those needs are met will we all feel good and satisfied? Will we all truly 'prosper'?
I've spent most of this year reading about how capitalism has developed in the 21st century so I'm hopeful that I have a grasp of how it operates and how it impacts on our everyday lives ... 

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1 comment:

  1. The Smallfish16 November 2013 at 08:15

    Eileen, thanks for your blog, I’ll tell you for why in a moment. Once we stand back and reflect , on what’s happening around us. It certainly seems the World is going mad. Now I’m going to try and cheer you up. There are those, who are trying to affect some change. Like you others think there may be something amiss, Have you heard of positive money.org they want to use money, for the common good. Myself, since the time that Mrs. Thatcher went on the rampage, have felt that something is wrong too. Since finding your blog, it gave me the push to have a go myself, so thanks. So if you feel inclined, have a look at positive money, and thequestforutopia.blogspot.co.uk and cast a critical eye over it , would appreciate your input. I’m in S.E. Essex too, I’m Colin, email thesmallfish@btinternet.com

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