by The After Capitalism work requires challenging myths, assumptions, and beliefs that will be uncomfortable to let go of. Alas, most readers are likely already in the camp of “we ne
ed alternatives,” so I will try to provide ammunition for you to spread the change message. At risk of sounding a bit arrogant, as is often the case in futures works, those who most need the book are the least likely to read it.
So let’s take a look at some of the key assumptions that need to be challenged in order to move to After Capitalism. The key fact – these assumptions are in fact choices, not inevitabilities. Let’s cut right to the chase and take on explore the assumption that growth is required, and suggestion some challenges to it:
- Addressing climate change will require it. From melting icebergs to wildfires to super-storms, indications of what’s to come are arriving. An “interesting” side effect of the pandemic was that it demonstrated that reduced economic activity can reduce environmental impact, in other words, it is possible, albeit we would hope it would come from a policy choices rather than a pandemic!
- Growth is running out of steam. By monetizing everything, we have made the economy” bigger than it need be or should be. Capitalism drives a near manic search for new things to monetize. The big focus now is on monetizing data (see for example, my review of Lanier’s Who Owns the Future). That’s a choice, not a necessity!
- Consuming less instead of working more. As several of our authors in the After Capitalism research have pointed out, people could choose to work less and do with less, but instead have chosen the opposite. But this may not continue. Interesting in my previous values research, I identified “enoughness,” in which the postmodern and integral values types are deliberately choosing to consumer less.
Remember, although it seems impossible, we can make different choices. — Andy Hines
Andy,
I am one of your former students in Futurism at University of Houston online. I am absolutely intrigued by the connection you made between exponential technology (CRISPR gene editing, self-driving cars, robotics etc.) and After Capitalism. Could you provide further explanation about this link? Part of my interest is that I am hoping in the future to invest in technology that grows exponentially. Thanks!
Curt Siemers
csiemers50014@yahoo.com
hey Curt, nice to hear from you! glad you’re still thinking about the future. the short story on that is that one of the 3 main categories of images i have identified for After Capitalism is “tech-led abundance.” I have some posts on it if you’re up exploring a bit.