zwembadman's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Books have been enlightening, insightful and at times even eye-opening. They have, however, never shaken fundamental believes to their core. Until I came across Prosperity without Growth, that is.
Ever since I trained as an economist and an engineer two decades ago, I held the notions of growth, the superiority of (private) markets and the power of technology to solve problems, as self-evident. Even though I have been working in the field of sustainable energy for years now, my inclination has never been to question the foundations of 'the system' as such. Green growth was the way forward; which requires some government interventions and well though-out incentives to nudge everyone into the right direction. A circular economy, energy efficiency, heat pumps, electric cars and hydrogen would make for an exciting future - a bit like today's world, but with the most unpleasant and unclean edges polished.
Tim Jackson challenged this insight in a way I have not experienced before. The idea of a radically different economy has been touted before, but it always came from groups on the fringe who espoused revolution as a goal in itself. Jackson on the other hand, carefully explains why today's model is not sustainable, what the future should look like, how we can start bringing it about and why it will not be easy. He also acknowledges that a lot of the economic fabric we know today, will stay in place even though we will organise it more efficiently and impose limits on its overall size. Taken together this makes for a thoughtful body of work that above all offers pointers in the direction of a different future.
The most spectacular realisation for my internal home economicus was the realisation that I have never even been aware of the core beliefs I held. The money creation process (i.e. it is brought into existence when banks grant loans) is something I never really questioned. Nor are the notions of efficiency or productivity growth. It was quite a shock to find out that a transition to more jobs in craft, care and culture are what we need and that those jobs are/should be shielded from the typical pressures towards efficiency. This is exactly the opposite of what each first year economics textbook will tell you. It is also the opposite of the professions you would seek out if getting really rich were in your plans.
It took quite some time to get through this book, which in itself is telling. It is splendidly written, well structured and its arguments are presented very clearly - so I expected it would make for a quick and enjoyable read. Enjoyable it certainly was, but I took my time to digest its messages and reflect upon how we could apply them in practice. All in all I am glad I did - there are some ideas here that I will take with me and that may help shape the world our children and grandchildren will one day inherit.
Ever since I trained as an economist and an engineer two decades ago, I held the notions of growth, the superiority of (private) markets and the power of technology to solve problems, as self-evident. Even though I have been working in the field of sustainable energy for years now, my inclination has never been to question the foundations of 'the system' as such. Green growth was the way forward; which requires some government interventions and well though-out incentives to nudge everyone into the right direction. A circular economy, energy efficiency, heat pumps, electric cars and hydrogen would make for an exciting future - a bit like today's world, but with the most unpleasant and unclean edges polished.
Tim Jackson challenged this insight in a way I have not experienced before. The idea of a radically different economy has been touted before, but it always came from groups on the fringe who espoused revolution as a goal in itself. Jackson on the other hand, carefully explains why today's model is not sustainable, what the future should look like, how we can start bringing it about and why it will not be easy. He also acknowledges that a lot of the economic fabric we know today, will stay in place even though we will organise it more efficiently and impose limits on its overall size. Taken together this makes for a thoughtful body of work that above all offers pointers in the direction of a different future.
The most spectacular realisation for my internal home economicus was the realisation that I have never even been aware of the core beliefs I held. The money creation process (i.e. it is brought into existence when banks grant loans) is something I never really questioned. Nor are the notions of efficiency or productivity growth. It was quite a shock to find out that a transition to more jobs in craft, care and culture are what we need and that those jobs are/should be shielded from the typical pressures towards efficiency. This is exactly the opposite of what each first year economics textbook will tell you. It is also the opposite of the professions you would seek out if getting really rich were in your plans.
It took quite some time to get through this book, which in itself is telling. It is splendidly written, well structured and its arguments are presented very clearly - so I expected it would make for a quick and enjoyable read. Enjoyable it certainly was, but I took my time to digest its messages and reflect upon how we could apply them in practice. All in all I am glad I did - there are some ideas here that I will take with me and that may help shape the world our children and grandchildren will one day inherit.
daaan's review
5.0
I was a little sceptical about this at first, I've read a few books about reducing growth and the environment, and they tend to be a bit hippy dippy, lacking substance and rigour. This one's the real deal. It makes the case against growth in a fairly inarguable manner, highlights the goals that need to be achieved and some ways to achieve those goals. There's no hubristic worship of a particular plan though, he admits that his solutions may be bunk, he's honest. That's refreshing. So many economists write in a "my way or highway" style, it's also vital here as the economic measures he is promoting are completely out of sample. Nobody knows what will happen if we even attempt to do this (though equally nobody knows what will happen if we keep doing what we're doing, but that's hardly relevant as sins of omission count nothing compared to sins of commission). Also, you can tell this wasn't written by an American, other countries are not mentioned merely as an afterthought. I can't imagine myself reading another book by an American economist, too inward looking.
So all in all, very good, in fact possibly the best economics I've read in a while.
So all in all, very good, in fact possibly the best economics I've read in a while.
wynkyn's review
5.0
A plausible foundational text of the future? Debunks much received 'wisdom' and sets out the ways to build a flourishing world for the future. Will read again
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