Capitalism, utterly dependent on never-ending economic growth, is an impossible absurdity on a finite planet with limited resources. So argues economist and social critic Jerry Mander who will discuss his latest book, “The Capitalism Papers: Six Fatal Flaws of an Obsolete System,” July 23 in Sonoma.
“What may have worked in 1850 and 1900 is calamitous in 2012,” he says.
The new book examines the inherent needs of capitalism to undermine and dominate democratic processes, social and economic equity, and global consciousness. Driven solely by its hunger for profits and wealth accumulation, even promoting “war as an economic strategy,” the system is amoral, Mander says.
And for all its excesses and indulgences, capitalism fails to produce what it seems to promise — a contented, happy society.
“The system is killing the planet, dismantling democracy, promoting wars and making people less happy, not more.”
Mander does hold hope for the future. Many organizations are already anticipating an ultimate breakdown, he says, and are defining new hierarchies of democratic and social values that will respect the planet, and sustain us for the future.
Mander is also the author “Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television” and “The Case Against the Global Economy.” A former advertising executive, Mander founded the International Forum on Globalization, a San Francisco-based research and educational institution composed of economists, scholars, activists, and researchers. The forum provides analysis on the impact of economic globalization.
The author will appear on Monday, July 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center. The event is presented by the Praxis Peace Institute. Tickets are $15 general, $10 for Praxis members. To order contact 939.2973 or Praxispeace.org.
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