

We need to re-define our economic system as seeking a sustainable steady state. In this time of increasing awareness of resource limitations, and of the consequences of human activity (e.g., climate change and species extinction), we have a unique opportunity to embrace zero growth and the idea of having “enough.” It’s time to see that goose egg at the bottom of the balance sheet not as a mark of economic failure, but rather as a sign of social growth.

At what point will we realize that we have an obligation to ourselves, to live not as mindless consumers but rather by striving for balance by seeking fulfillment in a myriad of other ways. In this country, we continue to rank our families, our friendships, and our mental and spiritual wellbeing highly – at least in principle. Let’s allow our economic system to reflect those values by putting moneymaking in its rightful place.