The predominant paradigm that has shaped contemporary economies, education and the narrative of progress is that of efficiency and optimization. How can we broaden our perspective and treat progress not as a linear optimization problem, but as a constant dynamic interaction with the systems around us?
Introduction
“[GDP] measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans.” (Robert Kennedy)
Design to Distribute
Conventional economic wisdom is that austerity and inequality are necessary pains of growth. Data show, on the contrary, that to benefit all people the economy must first be designed this way.
Myth in the Making
For better or for worse, myths have always been used to cement societies. What was the effective role of the “War on Terror” narrative after 9/11 and why is the American public so prone to endorse myth making?
Change the Goal
Conventional economics has no goal except one by default: indefinite growth. In nature, this is the principle of cancer. To get back to health, it is time to give the economy a more meaningful purpose.