Is there life after capitalism?
Tim Jackson
It is something of a paradox that by setting limitations on ourselves, we are able to appreciate our true potential all the more completely. This is an inherent argument that underpins the numerous insights contained in Tim Jackson’s inspiring book ‘Post Growth’ which comes with the alluring subtitle: ‘Life after Capitalism’.
Life during capitalism is of course the reality for we many led by the few. Jackson enlightens us on why retaining such a system corrodes the soul and how only negativity comes from rampant consumerism: “The burden of having can obscure the joy of belonging. The obsession with producing can distort the fulfilment of making. The pressure of consuming can undermine the simple lightness of being.”
Although ostensibly billed as a book about economics, this book reads more like a self-help book with an abundance of solid advice on how to live without being sucked into the frenzied machine that begs us to keep buying. A publicity campaign for an Italian suoermarket chain currently running tells customes “the more you buy, the more you save”. In truth, the more you buy the more you die a little more inside. With the built-in obsolescence that comes as standard with consumer goods, the guarantee is that no-one will ever be truly satisfied.
Jackson is eloquent on the dangers that come with the lifestyles that we are encouraged to literally buy into on a daily basis: “More is not always a virtue. Struggle is not the only basis for existence. Competition is not the only response to struggle. Drudgery is not the only reward for labour. Productivity doesn’t exhaust the return to work. Investment is not a meaningless accumulation of financial wealth. Denial is not the only response to our own mortality.”
Breaking free of the notion that happiness and fulfillment can be purchased is hard to embrace after enduring years of conditioning. It is Jackson’s belief that hope lies in future generations being educated to see that another world is possible.
At the same time he is under no illusions on how challenging this process is. He writes “If we teach our kids there are no limits at all, they will become disillusioned and dysfunctional adults. If we teach them the world is a dark and foreboding prison, they will never achieve their full potential. If we ignore the limits to economic growth, we risk irreversible damage to our lives and livelihoods. If we appear to turn back the tide of progress, we risk a return to the barbarism of the cave.”
If you are looking for concrete ways for applying economics in a way that human beings matter, Kate Raworth‘s ‘Doughnut Economics’ has more practical advice but Tim Jackson’s passionate and compassionate contribution is still invaluable.
