Introduction
The book “Less is More: How Degrowth will Save the World” is critical because it combines philosophical and economic perspectives. Jason Hickel raises global issues, questioning the necessity of economic growth as we are accustomed to perceiving this phenomenon. Instead, the book highlights growth as a concept of an innovative and environmentally friendly economy and lifestyle in general. “Less is More” is a must-read for those who sincerely care about our planet and those who long for change. In pursuing the tremendous and all-encompassing, we have begun to forget the integrity of the Earth we live on. The book will help one realize what went wrong and that there is still time to fix everything and get on the right path. The myth that a prosperous society necessarily means large-scale and constantly growing economic processes has been debunked. Since endless growth for society on a finite planet makes no sense. The planet opposes and sets a framework that we must consider and act accordingly.
This book is about understanding the Earth and the balance that needs to be achieved. If one feels or have ever felt that society has gone too far in its capitalist-based economic aspirations and actions, the idea of the book will resonate with these people. The author explains in detail and from different perspectives the importance of change for humanity’s survival and that the corresponding feelings are normal. The economy is unstable and destructive – this is a fact that must be recognized in order to move towards a better life. People are to consume less to give more to the world. This is the central philosophical point of Jason Hickel’s book “Less is More: How Degrowth will Save the World” (Hickel, 2020). If one can understand this with a cold mind and a sincere soul, reading this book can be compared to a constructive conversation with a like-minded person.
Summary of the Contents
The book’s author begins with an analysis of the situation that has developed, namely, the problematic nature of capitalism. Therefore, the capitalist system has convinced society that constant growth is a success and that expanding industries and sectors is what the world needs. The problem is that capitalism seems to satisfy all human needs, so humanity is not ready for change. However, this conversation and action must take place. If one generation does not do it, the following will. The author points out that we do not need growth per se. Thus, moving from an invasive type of economy and consumption to a harmonious coexistence with ecology in restoration and balance is vital. In subsequent chapters, the author provides not only a description of economic and ecological ways to improve the situation. In addition, he provides us with a philosophical background since everything begins with a change in values and beliefs (Hickel, 2020).
What About Recycling?
In one of the book’s first part chapters, Jason Hickel states the importance of introducing a circular economy. It should cover production, consumption, and proper disposal of waste in such a way as to achieve the highest possible percentage of reuse. However, transitioning to this type of economy requires a shift to circular thinking (Hickel, 2020). Wrong to think that these changes are possible under a capitalist system because the constant growth imperative makes it unattainable. First of all, most of the material we produce is non-recyclable. I have learned that the circular economy cannot be introduced as a director on the existing basis. Instead, changes require a complete rethinking and reconfiguration. In addition, even with a stable percentage of recycled materials, more is needed. This happens because the need for materials is constantly growing. I am convinced that in order to improve the ecology, humanity needs sweeping changes from the inside and not the appearance of changes.
What About Innovation?
The book’s second part has a fascinating chapter on the relationship between growth and innovation. For the development of technologies and the implementation of innovative solutions, massive economic growth is necessary. However, this is not the case, and we can act much more wisely than mindlessly increasing the volume of all production. Innovation is necessary for implementing ecological movements, but growth is not necessary for implementing innovation. Jason Hickel mentions that there have been many instances in the history of society where public investment has been crucial in introducing various types of technology or projects (Hickel, 2020). Having read this book, I am now aware that, if the goal of innovation is specific improvements, it is advisable to attract funding in the relevant areas and apply targeted actions. The author tries to convince us that investing in those areas is necessary to improve specific industries. I am sure now that a sustainable economy should be aimed not at quantity but at quality. The author’s arguments are perceived quite convincingly, and intelligent investing is worth paying attention to.
Conclusion
The concept of “less is more” applies not only to economics. Instead, it is a philosophy of life that manifests itself in the attitude towards things and the ability to interact with them. At the same time, it is vital to benefit from not only doing no harm but also doing good. Of course, the concept includes environmentally sustainable approaches to economic development. However, this book’s key message is that we do not need everything at once. The book offers a constructive view of what a post-capitalist society should look like. It points out the shortcomings and debunks the myths of capitalism. Although the older generation may not agree or is not ready to discuss all the necessary changes, it will happen. The current young generation or the following will have to debate the specifics of the changes and make them a reality. At this stage of our aggressive use of the planet’s resources, it is no longer a question of lifestyle but of the possibilities of life in general.
I like how Jason Hickel writes about complex things in pretty simple terms. I mean that the book is written in an accessible way and will be informative for a conscious reader of any age. Even though the views and concepts discussed in the book are intricate and require a total rethinking, reading it is a pleasure. The key to a sustainable and conscious society is the rational use of nature and smart investment in the economy. Although fossil fuels are increasing and recycling levels are stable, we are still depleting the planet at a breakneck pace. The author provides arguments favoring proportional investment, which means consistency between the need and demand for use. Optimality lies in using natural resources to achieve the best version of society’s relationship with the environment. This book provides convincing arguments in favor of a complete and comprehensive transition of society to the next stage of development. To make change a reality, we must rethink our lifestyle and our place on this planet. The transition from the dominant position of man on Earth to a form of balanced coexistence is necessary.
Reference
Hickel, J. (2020) Less is more: How degrowth will save the world. Windmill/Penguin.