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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Jackson is a household name in the critique of economics obsessed with (GDP) growth. His 2009 book Prosperity without Growth was a huge eye-opener for me personally, so I was eagerly anticipating this book.
He is not only an economist but also a playwright. His forays into philosophy and literature are a welcome feature of his writings, contrasting well with the dry economics of your typical Marxist, for example. This time, however, he takes it to the next level.
Contrary to the title, he doesn't venture deep into concrete life after capitalism. Instead of exploring the care economy or the wellbeing economy, we get a lot of personal anecdotes, notably the one about Bobby Kennedy's famous Kansas address in which he condemns GDP for measuring everything except what makes life worth living.
It felt a bit as if Jackson had already said all he had to say about the case for a post-growth, post-capitalist world, and was looking for a more spiritual underpinning to the struggle. This may appeal to some readers, but others will be a little disappointed with the lack of practical guidance.
He is not only an economist but also a playwright. His forays into philosophy and literature are a welcome feature of his writings, contrasting well with the dry economics of your typical Marxist, for example. This time, however, he takes it to the next level.
Contrary to the title, he doesn't venture deep into concrete life after capitalism. Instead of exploring the care economy or the wellbeing economy, we get a lot of personal anecdotes, notably the one about Bobby Kennedy's famous Kansas address in which he condemns GDP for measuring everything except what makes life worth living.
It felt a bit as if Jackson had already said all he had to say about the case for a post-growth, post-capitalist world, and was looking for a more spiritual underpinning to the struggle. This may appeal to some readers, but others will be a little disappointed with the lack of practical guidance.
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
The premise of the book - to create a new myth, a post-growth counter hegemonic narrative - is much needed in today’s society. I also like the wealth of examples and stories he brings to try to build that narrative.
However, to me, the book is hard to follow. I found its language complicated and the story went in ways that were hard to follow.
I would have wished for a more concise and objective book.
However, to me, the book is hard to follow. I found its language complicated and the story went in ways that were hard to follow.
I would have wished for a more concise and objective book.
I agree with a lot of other reviewers. this book does a good job of outlining the problems with capitalism and how it can impede our attainment of other important values outside of economic growth. But it does not go into great depth about what our economy would look outside of capitalism.
Definitely recommend for those not already familiar with post growth.
Definitely recommend for those not already familiar with post growth.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced