Scan barcode
eilnarfparker's review
4.0
Kate Soper's Post-Growth Living argues that the emphasis placed on consumption and work in our lives (particularly in more affluent regions of the world) is not only destroying the planet, but also preventing us from experiencing other, often more meaningful forms of pleasure that are routinely looked over. Rather than thinking of saving the planet as something that requires deprivation, we need a shift in mindset that dismantles the link between economic growth and progress. It is possible to consume less and still enjoy life. Although I don't think this book is very accessible to anyone without a background in philosophy (myself included. Some of it definitely went over my head.), I think it is important in the way it rethinks a greener way of being, and its message needs to be shared more widely.
lnthurman's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.25
Soper's call for an alternative hedonism—where systemic sociopolitical change is driven not only by fear of climate disaster but also desire for a more enjoyable life—is compelling and hard to argue with if you're already a left-leaning eco-worrier. But while she convincingly lays out everything wrong with the current world order, she doesn't necessarily provide a detailed vision for the alternative. Yes, there will be more free time and more biking. But the imagination wants a little more than that to aspire toward.
romcm's review
5.0
Strong arguments, artful reasoning. Repositions your thinking, asking, what if it was just much more pleasurable to share more, to live in nicer spaces, and to work less? The kind of book that makes you want to shake people and ask, “why are you buying all this crap while the world is ending?”
joakley's review
5.0
Loved it! Admittedly given that this is more of a philosophical approach, a lot of this did go over my head. But the core message is something that will inform my thoughts on consumption, the environment, and how to participate in this thing we call society and I’ll likely carry that message for the long haul
evadienke's review
4.0
Important message and thoroughly argued, it added fire and depth to my hopes for our future. However, the focus on consumption alone comes across as tunnel vision. Though a pleasant intellectual challenge, the language is overly academic. I so wish it were more accessible, I would have recommended it to everyone I know.