January 28, 2011
The economy is our new cosmos. Stars may still shine, but few now tend sheep under a starry night sky. In fact, half the world’s population seldom sees stars through the smog and artificially lit megacities of industrial civilization. Artifacts of the economy define our lives —buildings, vehicles, highways, processed foods, and electronic gadgetry. We … Continued
December 31, 2010
In considering the characteristics of a new economy, the question of money arises: What is the appropriate role of money? What entity or entities should govern its issue? How much should be placed in circulation and on what basis? What determines its value once in circulation? How might its very structure favor financing for regionally-based … Continued
December 15, 2010
In 1976 the economist Fritz Schumacher spoke at Findhorn in Northern Scotland in an address as relevant today as it was then. Historically, he noted, we are at the end of three distinct eras—first a Descartian informed world view which valued what was known through the senses above spiritual knowledge and encouraged an accumulation of … Continued
November 26, 2010
The 30th Annual E. F. Schumacher Lectures on November 20th brought together three strong voices calling for change in our economic system and outlining strategies for that change. It was a remarkable gathering. With appreciation to Peter Montague, the talks by Gus Speth, Neva Goodwin, and Stewart Wallis may now be viewed online. In his … Continued
November 14, 2010
In June of this year, James Gustave Speth addressed a group of foundation professionals on the topic of “Towards a New Consciousness in America: the Role of Grantmakers.” He invited those in attendance to help him change America’s mind. By which he meant changing long held beliefs and habits that prevent us from conducting our … Continued
November 2, 2010
If you have seen the name of Neva Rockefeller Goodwin in the news it is probably for her shareholder action at ExxonMobil, intended to help the company to anticipate and take leadership in ushering in a post-carbon economy. But on October 28th visitors to Britain’s House of Commons could have heard Dr. Goodwin, an economist … Continued
September 15, 2010
The men and women of the United States were once builders of boats, weavers of fabric, turners of pots, crafters of furniture, keepers of bees, operators of mills, welders of steel, creators of new technologies, and in general makers of the goods used in America. Entranced by the doctrine of efficiency of scale, bulging corporations … Continued
September 12, 2010
The economist, Fritz Schumacher, author of Small Is Beautiful, commented that if everyone were for “small,” he’d be for “big.” It was not just to be contrarian. It was a question of balance. Our global economy has grown so big, our production processes so divided and so distant from the places where the goods are … Continued
September 9, 2010
It is a time of economic crisis. Will a solution be found in the private market or through government mandate? And if through government, just who is this government anyway—”them” or “us”? What is the responsibility of citizens for crafting sustainable economies, especially at this juncture when the very health of our eco-systems and stability … Continued
September 6, 2010
If we are serious about creating a more sustainable and equitable economy in the future, we must face the question of disparity in income and wealth. In its report “The Great Transition”, the New Economics Foundation have outlined an approach that they call “The Great Redistribution”: In the Great Redistribution, we show how a redistribution … Continued
September 3, 2010
In its report “The Great Transition”, the New Economics Foundation sketch an outline of how to reach what E. F. Schumacher would have called an “economy of permanence.” The sections of the report include: The Great Revaluing, the Great Redistribution, the Great Rebalancing, the Great Localization, the Great Reskilling, the Great Economic Irrigation, and the … Continued
August 26, 2010
Will Raap understands that the creating of a new economy is a complex endeavor. “Green” products manufactured with care for the environment are an important element of the new economy story—but only a part. Sharing profits with those who labored to make the products is another part of the rebalancing of our economic system to … Continued