Today’s Book of the Day is Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World, written by Jason Hickel in 2021 and published by Windmill Books.
Jason Hickel is an economic anthropologist, author, professor, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. His research focuses on global political economy, inequality, and ecological economics.
I have chosen this book because I often cite it when speaking about viable alternatives to capitalistic greed and environmental destruction for profit.
This book throws down a heavy gauntlet to our current economic model. In the face of a catastrophic ecological breakdown, Hickel argues that the comforting idea of green growth – solving environmental problems through technological innovation within a growing economy – is a dangerous fantasy.
The core message? Degrowth, a planned reduction in consumption and production, is the only way to achieve a just and sustainable future.
The book opens with a sobering, somewhat scary look at the actual situation of the ecological crisis. Hickel meticulously details the environmental devastation caused by our ever-expanding economic activity. From climate change to deforestation, the science is clear: the planet is reaching its limits.
Hickel then dissects the culprit – capitalism’s inherent need for perpetual growth. This relentless pursuit of “more” incentivizes resource extraction, overproduction, and planned obsolescence, creating a system fundamentally incompatible with a healthy planet.
The book also delves deeply into the historical roots of this absurd growth imperative exposing how colonialism fueled the rise of the West and its insatiable appetite for resources. This heinous exploitative system continues today, with developed nations disproportionately burdening the environment while developing nations struggle to meet even basic needs.
The author brilliantly dismantles the idea that economic growth can be decoupled from environmental impact. Technological advancements, while crucial, cannot solve this problem alone. He argues that a focus on efficiency gains will simply allow us to consume more, thus negating any concrete, effective environmental benefit.
The book then describes in detail the human cost of this soulless, blind, and endless growth forced by capitalism. Hickel exposes the false myth that rising GDP translates to well-being for all. He highlights how rampant inequality and a relentless work culture are inherent features of our growth-obsessed system, driven by the greed of a few against the common good of all.
True human flourishing, Hickel argues, requires a shift in values, prioritizing well-being over material accumulation.
The author doesn’t shy away from the many challenges of degrowth. He acknowledges the anxieties around reduced consumption and economic decline. Yet, he argues that degrowth does not have to mean a decline in living standards. By focusing on redistribution and sufficiency, we can create better, more just societies where everyone’s basic needs are met, while excessive consumption is strongly discouraged.
A degrowth economy, following the author’s proposal, would naturally prioritize essential services like healthcare and education, leading to a more fulfilling life for many. He also emphasizes the potential for increased leisure time and a renewed focus on community, fostering a more meaningful existence.
The book also shows potential pathways towards a degrowth economy. Hickel proposes policies like shorter work weeks, universal basic income, and degrowth taxes that discourage resource extraction. He also emphasizes the importance of cultural change, promoting values of community, sustainability, and living well with less.
The author doesn’t stop at economic solutions. He also recognizes the fundamental, essential need for a degrowth movement that challenges the very foundations of our current capitalistic system. This includes dismantling corporate power, promoting social justice, and empowering local communities to manage their resources sustainably.
Less is More is an eye-opening read. It challenges deeply ingrained assumptions about economic progress and societal well-being. Yet, Hickel‘s message is one of hope. By embracing degrowth, we can create a better future where humanity thrives in harmony with the planet. The book is essentially a call to action, urging us to reimagine our relationship with consumption and forge a new path towards a just and sustainable world.
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