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September 15, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Parker
Hi Alex,
Very nice site!!! Are you aware of The Venus Project? They offer a possible future to the organization of the worlds society in a peaceful, sustainable, and intellectually freeing manner. I hope you will check it out. A good place to start is their FAQ: http://www.thevenusproject.com/the-venus-project-introduction/faq
September 16, 2010 at 5:05 pm
alex
hi parker,
i checked out the site, and though i agree with many of the ideas espoused, i was confronted with a tremendous shortcoming:
http://www.thevenusproject.com/a-new-social-design/resource-based-economy
“A resource-based world economy would also involve all-out efforts to develop new, clean, and renewable sources of energy: geothermal; controlled fusion; solar; photovoltaic; wind, wave, and tidal power; and even fuel from the oceans. We would eventually be able to have energy in unlimited quantity that could propel civilization for thousands of years.”
in other words, sheer fantasy. the images of “cities on the ocean and under the ocean” drive this point home. in order to grow the economy, or increase the quantity of energy consumed by the economy (which is the same thing), you would have to exploit the planet’s resources to a GREATER degree, not a lesser degree. and the truth is that the planet cannot sustain more economic growth.
we need to design an economy that co-exists in a harmonious balance WITHIN the ecology of the Earth. attempting to further dominate nature for our own benefit is bound to fail. and, i would suggest, a bad idea anyway.
if i’m being unfair to your ideas please let me know. but i feel that you haven’t fully appreciated my ideas either. i would suggest you read “The End of Growth” by Richard Heinberg. techno-utopia sounds fantastic for a reason. “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
alex
September 18, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Parker
The ideas of The Venus Project (TVP) unfortunately can’t be absorbed through a quick glance. You’ll have to take the time to understand exactly how the society would be structured.
The claim that energy could be provided for in unlimited quantities for thousands of years is backed up by MIT studies on Geothermal Energy, as well as other studies looking at the potential of all of the renewable resources listed. Those energies combined with a redesign of society, with maximum sustainability in mind, is why we feel this can be achieved.
The “cities on the sea” idea is just an example of what could possibly be achieved if a RBE society is in place, and available land becomes an issue. It is by no means The Venus Projects goal to build cities on the sea. It is just a possible solution to a possible problem assuming we have the available resources to do so.
“we need to design an economy that co-exists in a harmonious balance WITHIN the ecology of the Earth”
I can tell you didn’t get too far in your exploration of TVP’s ideas. The whole organization of society is based upon a measurement of the worlds resources and then using those resources (or not using them) with maximal sustainability in mind. If something is considered unsustainable, then it is not done. We would have to look for other alternative practices/resources. The technology to do this already exists today, we just need to apply and/or scale it.
I read “The End of Growth” as well as your 5 part “Synopsis”. I don’t have any real disagreements with what you say. I don’t see a real plan of action there either. I was hoping TVP could fill this (perceived) void.
I have two videos that I hope you will take the time to watch. The first is the Orientation Guide to The Zeitgeist Movement (It is the Activist arm of TVP). The second is a lecture from Peter Joseph entitled “Where are we going?”. These should help you understand our ideas further. I think you’ll see we have a lot in common.
1. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3932487043163636261#
2. http://vimeo.com/7857584
-Parker
December 15, 2010 at 8:50 am
Gordon
After reading “What is Capitalism,” which describes what I would refer to as “Western Industrial Capitalism,” I would like to propose a simpler definition: Any system for the management and distribution of capital. I would also like to suggest that “capital” be considered to be any production in excess of that needed to satisfy the basic needs of an individual (food & water, clothing, shelter, the society of ones fellows). “Capitalism,” then, would apply equally to western “democratic,” states and to eastern “communist” states.
Excess production requires investment if it is not to depreciate (since it is production above what is needed, it must be “stored” somehow). Investment generates more excess: capital generates more capital. There will always be some people with more access to capital, and others with less: Capitalism will always generate a hierarchy (whether it be the western industrial oligarchy or the eastern communist politburo). Regardless how it is regulated, people with more access to capital will find ways to generate more capital for themselves. The generation of capital (excess) requires the conversion of resources: Capitalism will always, eventually, destroy the environment.
To end any Capitalism, one must end all Capitalism.
December 15, 2010 at 9:27 pm
alex
hey gordon,
thanks for your comment. i plan on updating the “What is Capitalism” page, as it has not been updated in a while, so i appreciate your comments.
i agree with you that the so-called “Communist” states of Russia, China, North Korea, etc. are/were in fact capitalist – state capitalist to be precise. however, your proposed definition is too broad in my opinion. a system that produces in excess of need, and maintains a hierarchy, can be defined as a State, or by some like Derrick Jensen as the essence of “civilization” itself.
capitalism is not the only system that produces in excess and invests the surplus – this also accurately describes the Roman Empire, Mayan civilization, ancient China, and really any class society.
what distinguishes capitalism as one particular kind of class society, for me, is that it is based on:
1) wage labor (a huge population that cannot survive without selling itself to do work),
2) commodity production (people’s needs can only be met by buying mass-produced goods and services), and
3) capital investment removed from any loyalty to social or ecological need (economists call this “the market,” but what they mean is free reign for investors to make a profitable return on their investments).
it’s this final piece that, you rightly point out, mandates that the system continually grow, and eventually “destroy the environment.”
in most other respects, capitalism is not so different from every other form of class society. from the Babylonians on down, there’s been a massive division between rich and poor, male dominance, warfare and genocide, racial and ethnic hatred, the accumulation of power or wealth for the few at the expense of the many, ideological conditioning or State religion (market fundamentalism?), and environmental unsustainability.
a couple books i would recommend on this (really interesting) topic would be “Riddles of Culture” by Marvin Harris, which is an anthropological look at the rise of hierarchy, warfare, and patriarchy – http://endofcapitalism.com/2009/06/20/review-of-cows-pigs-wars-and-witches-the-riddles-of-culture/
and “The Ecology of Freedom” by Murray Bookchin, which is a pioneering effort in critiquing hierarchy, the State, and capitalism, and forging the alternative of “social ecology” – http://endofcapitalism.com/2009/08/08/review-of-the-ecology-of-freedom-the-emergence-and-dissolution-of-hierarchy/
of course, we have to find our own answers. the ideas of others can only help in clarifying our own.
keep up the good thinking!
alex
January 6, 2011 at 12:16 am
Jonathan Rutherford
Hi Alex,
This is my reply to your response – originally found at ‘part 3 life after capitalism’ Btw I am very inspired by your example of taking up full time activism. I would like to do the same myself. How do you make a living? Any tips? Anyway here is my response….
Ted’s does have an analysis of the social movements your mention. His argument (and I agree, although am open to persuasion of course!) is that there is little point trying to ‘resist capitalism, slow it down, and limit the damage as much as possible.’
Once you realise that it is the very dynamics of the capitalist market economy that is producing all the problems (poverty, environmental crisis, overshoot, conflict/war, falling quality of life etc) it becomes apparent that the only viable solution is to scrap it and build something else. In other words, we should start now (at first, in very humble ways) building the localised democratic alternatives, within existing suburbs and towns. It’s the old anarchist strategy of ‘prefiguring.’ There is a movement (you have probably heard) called ‘transition towns’ which has started this process. They are way too reformist at the moment, but our task should be to work within this and other similar movements, to build viable alternatives AND radical consciousness.
It’s true, as you say, that simply ‘withdrawing from the system’ is not enough. We need to build the practical alternatives AS A MEANS, to educate ordinary people everywhere about the need for radical change, and the existence of viable alternatives. Not many will listen yet, but when the oil peak etc kicks in, more and more may start to listen (unfortunately, it’s unlikely we will succeed, but of course we must try!)
Here is a link to an article by TED, explaining, much better than I can, what should be the focus for Transition…..
http://ssis.arts.unsw.edu.au/tsw/TheTransitionProcess.html
Cheers
Reply
January 18, 2011 at 12:25 am
alex
hi jonathan,
please excuse my slowness in responding to your wonderful comment.
thank you for the praise of my activism. i don’t know that i’m making any particularly different decisions than the millions of activists around the world in terms of my life path. i work part-time, because i could not do what i do if i had to work full-time. this also means i rely on more collective means of survival, such as group housing, bike and public transportation, and public services of many kinds (cheap therapy, public student loan plans, university dental work, etc).
the hardest and most important thing is cultivating a community of caring people around yourself, because without this it is inevitable that you will burn out and lose the capacity to affect change. we must learn to support each other, not only economically but also emotionally.
what about you? perhaps the question on my mind at the moment: how do you stay motivated and productive for change amidst the draining and endlessly distracting capitalist culture?
in response to the focus on Ted Trainer’s work, i don’t believe it’s possible that we will move to a better world if we abandon organizing that confronts the injustices of the system.
while i understand the desire to work to build the material basis of an alternative culture in the here-and-now, and support it fully, this is only ONE part of what must occur. without simultaneously challenging the destructive nature of the system, i believe these lifestyle efforts are futile on the large scale.
as just one example, here in Philadelphia, the city government constantly promotes itself as “Green” and pledges all sorts of projects and initiatives for sustainability, but it’s record is abysmal. for example, hundreds of community gardens have been bulldozed in the last decade or two, and replaced by development. nevertheless, constant waves of young and hopeful Philadelphians pour their energies and creative talents into planting and maintaining community gardens around the city, only to be disappointed when the city betrays them yet again and takes the land.
of course, the gardeners must keep trying, and i support them however i can. BUT, if we do not confront the city government’s hypocrisy and build a movement that can stop them from their foolish destruction of the future, what chance do we have?
similarly, on the global scale, what good are Transition Towns if China and the USA can consistently torpedo any global initiative to curb carbon emissions?
today is Martin Luther King, Jr Day here in the US. this man’s legacy is the legacy of nonviolent direct action to challenge segregation and injustice. MLK didn’t advocate black people just creating their own businesses and withdrawing from the white racist establishment. as moral as that position would have been, MLK and the Civil Rights Movement went on the offensive and challenged racial segregation as a system until they brought it down. millions of people marched, sat-in, got arrested, talked to their neighbors, trained each other in civil disobedience, etc. that’s how change occurred, and we’re better off for it.
ok this turned into a bit of a rant. i agree with you that education is key, and that creating “practical alternatives” is absolutely necessary. however, i think by itself this is only a partial strategy. a more complete strategy must build those alternatives while at the same time challenging the system’s destruction and making room for those alternatives to survive and thrive.
much respect
alex
March 19, 2011 at 1:02 pm
sentry
First, thank you for your site. I found it a few months ago and there is a wealth (no pun intended) of information and intriguing discussion here.
I would just like to share a half serious discussion I tried to foment in Yahoo Answers regarding ones inability to “opt out” of capitalism and maybe get your thoughts. I posted my question in the Law & Ethics section there it went like this:
“Why can’t I own land without an income?
I have a little bit of money saved to buy some land. The only thing stopping me from buying the land is the recurring taxes associated with owning land.
Why can’t I, if I prefer, live off the land (I initially buy) and not use or participate in a money based economy (thereafter)?
I prefer to sustain myself. I don’t want to work for anyone and I don’t want to sell anyone anything.
Why can’t I just be allowed to take what I need directly from nature and my own land and not participate in a money based economy?
Why am I being forced to participate in a money based economy because I want to have my own land to live on?”
The responses I received all seem to reflect the fact that the game was rigged and there was no way anyone could opt out of it unless we change the laws. Which is perhaps true. Taxes are, of course, just an extension of capitalism or nod to the priority and influence of money. In other words, taxes have to be collected from me because others participate in capitalism and so I have to get sucked into the game too.
What is particularly disturbing to me about the whole thing is that there doesn’t seem to be a “sane” excuse available for someone to opt out of working or producing for others. You either have to be mentally sick, disabled or a religious organization. It is not recognized that within the realms of sanity that a perfectly healthy and sane private citizen could not want to work for anyone nor sell to anyone to survive.
If someone doesn’t want to work for someone or sell something, they literally can’t settle their own land, even if they have the initial funds to purchase the land outright. They must exist as a nomad. It basically is saying you have no right to exist on the planet or “you can’t stay here”. There is no home for you unless you play the game.
And so I was looking for people’s thoughts on what seems to be a clear violation of a person’s freedoms and maybe even human rights.
[Btw, I want to mention I am not coming at this from an anti-taxes right wing free marketer position. I believe if you have acquired abundance you should share it with others as long as it doesn't impede your ability to take care of at least your own basic needs. I mean if for people who wish to elect out of the pursuit and exchange of money. ]
Thanks,
sentry
March 23, 2011 at 5:56 pm
alex
thanks for writing sentry!
i agree with you – there is no hope for an individual to live outside of capitalism – you have to “play the game.” for this reason, we all must work together to transcend capitalism and make it a thing of the past!
alex
March 24, 2011 at 9:37 am
sentry
Thanks for your response, Alex. Just noticed this point you made:
“1) wage labor (a huge population that cannot survive without selling itself to do work), …”
That is a huge point of contention with me and capitalism. Glad to see someone had picked up on it long before I did. I really have to read your posts more to see exactly where the present line of debate against capitalism resides. Can you recommend any posts of yours that particularly summarize the modern argument against capitalism? I have formulated my own incomplete ideas and answers but would like to find out if they are up to speed with the current trends in the debate.
I would sincerely hope this can be won by pure debate, assuming our side is very good at formulating our rebuttals.
Thanks,
sentry
March 25, 2011 at 1:28 am
Jonathan Rutherford
Hi Alex,
Hope you are thriving. You wil now have to excuse my slowness in replying.
Your practical suggestion to ‘cultivate a community of caring people’ is very wise and true. I don’t think I’ve personally done enough of that (always been a bit of a lone thinker!) so it’s certainly given me motivation to do so – cheers!
This transition debate is crucial, so it’s good to discuss. I agree we must build a political movement, as well as the local economic alternatives. But what should the movement aim for? In order to sort this out, we must have some idea about what we are aiming for i.e the alternative anti-capitalist society. I agree with Trainer that only a far more localised society (although there would still be room for regional/federal economic/political units etc) is compatible with a just and sustainable world order…the footprint analysis and much else establishes this clearly. I also think if we want a real democracy – one in which all people really participate in making decisions – the basic economic and political institutions are going to have to be far more local; large centralised organisations and institutions (i.e TNCs + States etc etc) cannot deliver the kind of direct inclusive democracy we hope for…
So back to my question, what kind of political movement should we develop? I don’t think it should aim at taking state power because this revolution can’t be imposed from above. The history of ‘actually existing socialism’ proves that even with the best intentions, revolutionaries who impose their ideas/values on people, usually end up creating a repressive disaster. Also, from a purely practical point of view, large scale states/institutions will not be able to run localised economies! That has to be done by the people on the ground, fumbling their way to the new alternatives.
Neither should the movement aim to pressure the state to institute humane reforms. Clearly, this is inadequate because consumer capitalism cannot be fixed – its basic systems and structures (i.e production for profit, the market, economic growth, large states) are what is causing the problems!
So the movement MUST be local and it must aim at creating alternative local (and non-market) economic institutions. How do we get such a movement going? The best way is to begin creating communal economic arrangements in the here and now. Trainer talks about ‘ignoring capitalism to death’ and I think he is basically correct (see his website for details of a practical strategy that small group of people could start now).
It’s true that this will not be enough. At some stage – but only once we have gained enough support and awareness (unfortunately there is very little awareness currently) – we might be able to win local council elections, and, ideally, devolve them into radical democratic communities. A great political philosopher Takis Foutoupolus stresses the importance of this point – I really recommend you check out his excellent (and free!) journal inclusive democracy (his analysis of today’s market capitalism is brilliant in my view) http://www.inclusivedemocracy.org/journal/.
But winning local elections is not something we can do now, in a situation where the vast majority of ordinary people do not have the required radical consciousness. Therefore I agree with Trainer that our best option is to devote our energies to educating people via building the inspiring local alternatives here and now.
It’s sad to hear about the frustrations in Philadelphia. This is a real problem, but I don’t think there are any easy answers. If you believe in the need for fundamental change – and not merely reformism – you have to try and create the alternatives. There are many cases where councils can in fact be very supportive; The Transition Towns movement, for example, have had lots of success working collaboratively with local governments. Of course, we would only work with them on practicalities, maintaining our independence and forging the revolution ourselves. There are also other institution that may help such as churches and various other community groups. Sometimes we may be forced to take over derelict urban land illegally…and with a little luck be largely ignored.
Of course, you are right to suggest that all this will be futile, unless at some point we can convince enough ordinary people of the need for change. But how else do we do it? We have to try and educate people, and the best way is through creating inspiring examples of the alternatives….
All the best
March 25, 2011 at 1:18 pm
sentry
I found it! Thanks, Alex!
June 15, 2011 at 9:44 pm
George Washington
I have read a part of what you have laid out and I am reminded of my own intellectually growth. When I was a sophomore in college, I took a course called Western Civilization. Toward the end of the course, we were assigned for our next class to illustrate why Karl Marx when incorrect in his analysis of capitalism. I was the first to speak and I eloquently listed the rise of the middle class, the development of the stock market (allowing for broad and diversified participation in capital formation), true democratic government systems (like the USA), wide spread education for the masses, a never ending stream of innovation and new technology, a moral awaking which checked individual and corporate greed, the spreading American ideals and institution throughout the world, etc. The teacher listened to me and then dismissed class a full 55 minutes early. I said everything which needed to be said, problem was I was totally wrong! Until I actually took the time to read Marx (in those days college sophomores rarely read) did I realize that our educational systems, our media, our politicians, and most definitely our business leaders had and have a vested interest in distorting to the point of misrepresenting Marx’s analysis of capitalism, much of which is proving to be true as we move through time.
August 10, 2011 at 10:44 am
A Critic
“In simple terms, capitalism is a society ruled by money and those who possess it. The wealthy hold disproportionate power within capitalism and use it to preserve their interests, especially the ability to make more money.”
Um, no. What you are describing is the form of statism known as fascism (aka corporatism). The fascists also don’t make money – they make fiat money. Real money is a medium of exchange which has a finite quantity and is used by mutual voluntary agreement. Fiat money is a medium of exchange which has no finite quantity and is used by threat of violence.
Capitalism is a theory in which everyone may save their surplus earnings until they accrue capital which they can then invest as they wish. It’s never been a practice. Fascists and other statists often pretend to be capitalists because it’s easy to sucker people into supporting statism when they think they can strike it rich by virtue of their own hard work and good ideas.
Note in our society the government seizes the surplus earnings through taxation and hands them out to itself or it’s fascist cronies, thus forcing any entrepreneur to beg for a loan from a fascist banking institution.
August 10, 2011 at 1:52 pm
alex
hi gonzo,
it seems we just have different definitions of the word capitalism. your definition is a theory, which you say has never been practiced. i believe my definition has greater applicability, because it’s based on the real system in which we live, and the common understanding of the word capitalism.
if you want to call the system we live in fascist, go for it, i won’t stop you. but it meets my (and i think most people’s) definition of a capitalist society, because the economy is controlled by private property, such as enormous banks and corporations. capitalism for me is much more than a theory, it is the hard reality of our world, a reality of oppression, abuse, psychological distress, war, prejudice, prisons, and a long history of trauma that goes back 500 years.
i think it’s valuable to define terms that make immediate sense to the people you’re trying to reach. for example, if we live in a “fascist” society right now, and have done so forever, what makes fascist Italy or Nazi Germany so different? because they were very different.
alex
August 10, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Marthinus P. Rabie
Hi Guys,
Alex,
I tend to agree with you more so.
There is an oligarchy that does control the world, whether we want to admit this or not. Mostly the banks and the major corporates are the vehicles they employ.
I am of the opinion that we find ourselves in a modern day feudal system. The majority of the citizens in this world actually seem to enjoy this form of management system. They seem to be ignorant of this fact in the social circles in which I move, and that to me is prove in itself. The media is a tool that was finetuned by Edward Bernays, the nephew of Sigmund Frued.
Attention distraction through entertainment and the fast pace of life I find to be mainly the reason for our ignorance in these matters.
I humbly mention that I have authored a book called – The Pickpocket Effect of Capitalism. It is available In both Kindle and softback on amazon.
I have been searching for websites where I could express myself in this regard, and therefore joined this one.
I also have a website called http://www.thepickpocketeffectofcapitalism.com
I have to mention that I feel very isolated in my social circle regarding this subject, and would love it if more people could voice their opinions. I would be honoured if you people would consider joining my website.
Everybody could only gain so much from this.
Well, I remain sincerely Marthinus P.Rabie
September 7, 2011 at 2:23 am
Bay Area Momma
Alex-
Nicely written. I like how outlined the problems and solutions-very thoughtful. I am most interested in how the consciousness of society will shift when Americans have been indoctrinated into passive obedience. Many of us who would agree and would even read this are out on the fringe, and I do think that peaceful change is possible but only through a massive awakening across “main street” America to the growing changes in our world.
I don’t know how that will be done. But I think that as long as folks like you are thinking and sharing your thoughts there is a chance for positive change.
October 9, 2011 at 10:47 pm
korean
Even if I don’t know which new social and economic system is going to be the best for mankind after capitalism, I do agree that the capitalism seems to be reaching toward it’s final stage. I wonder what will be the next, but I am sure that people around the world need to go through some suffer till any new system is going to be settled down again. Keep up the good work, dude.
by
an old man
October 16, 2011 at 1:45 pm
bijaya
Capatilism, communism they really destroyed humanity. created a strong borders where we all are slaved no mattere who u r, a graduate from havard yale or a porter on mount everest.Where is our life if we were born or breed grown up trained and awarded a degree to be slave of corporate were i will invest all my life just to feed, and have a 26 holidays in a year.
We dont say we dont want to work and get benefit we will work for humanity not for a corporate who owns a huge business, produces in china or india because labour is cheap there and always increases the price where the crap dose the money goes and why they have to go there if they want to sell it if its becoming more expensive may be i dont know how business works..
but i know once the capatalism dies,, wars will die in this planet and humans will live as humans not as a bonded slaves.
October 30, 2011 at 8:42 am
Steve
certainly a thought provoking article, thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 20, 2011 at 5:57 am
Alastair McGowan
Here in the UK we recently had a BBc radio programme on capitalism which explored its utility. Suffice to say the conclusion was ‘not perfect but it works’. None of the fundamentals were examined, nor was the unsupported assumption that capitalism has benefitted us collectively. I hope your book will dig deep at the real dynamics and challenge all the assumptions about this way of life that is consuming us and the planet.
I want to be able to tell my children that my not having a financial inheritance to give them or a social class they can inherit is not my fault, and that in fact it was all an abberation. But my duty to them is such that I will give them all the knowledge I have about how to succeed in capitalism or end up ill and aching from hard work that benefits others. I hope they won’t experience the uphill struggle and inevitable failure that we and countless generations have faced, despite our merits but I would rather they try something else as well as looking after their own interests. Books like yours are sure to be on their shelves.
November 21, 2011 at 12:07 am
Thinus
Dear Alastair,
I think many of us share in your opinion regarding inheritance for our children and so forth.
You can however start to distance yourself from this capitalistic systems pickpocketing effect.
1. Understand how the tax system works in your Country and make absolutely sure that you do everything legally to benefit as much as possible in whatever desicions you make for yourself and your family.
2. Pay of your debt as quickly as possibly, and to do that you have to stop making anymore debt!!
3. Switch off the Television and stop supporting the mainstream media in all aspects.
4. Should you have spare cash, do not save it in a Bank, but rather find a way to invest it in something that increases in value.
5. Most importantly, invest in yourself, and I am not talking about a degree or something, no! Find one or more mentors that have proven themselves being wealth creators.The problem is financial education, I am not talking about getting an eduction in the Ivy League, no sir, that could result in total financial collapse.
I can suggest someone like Dr Hannes Dreyer – google his name and see what you think. Maybe you have someone else in mind.
Needless to say that this is not a quick fix, but rather a good start in the right direction!
Well, I really wish you all the best in whatever you decide to focus on.
Regards
January 26, 2012 at 10:39 am
Peter
Starting by point 4, you are not thinking clearly. Your advice may be financially good, but if you are realistic, that cannot work for the better future. Its based on fact that 95% of other people will suck hard, while you enjoy your wealth. What you present is just greed, which is so typical for today’s capitalism, negating even basic ethical principles.
What we need today are people with talent, who are not poisoned by greed of capitalism, but can use their talent for broader good. I don’t say being rich is evil, but investments with pure intention of earning more money are evil, because they suck resources and energy from system to satisfy one’s greed, and not providing any value to the environment.
Let be talented people and people who want to benefit world become rich, not evil today’s capitalists.
January 26, 2012 at 10:21 am
Peter
Hello,
this is a nice website, but i am little bit afraid ideas posted here are more dreaming than reality. Needs of all people in this world will never be fulfilled. We do need growth and it may not be correlating with damaging earth, but rather technology growth over economic one. I agree, that capitalism is getting sick, but solution is not to entirely replace it, but to replace sick parts and make it more healthy. If our effort was more focused on technology growth, than economic growth, we could invest more resources into technology. Space is big and allows almost infinite resources and expansion, but our greed is slowing us to achieve our global goals of evolution.
April 2, 2012 at 12:02 am
John Hepburn
Right now capitalism is making a power play like never before, they are attempting to put the whole world under their oppressive thumb. You will accept your place in their caste system or you will starve once they have fully instituted it. Now is the time to become part of any organization against these immoral greed ridden elitists. The end game they have for us and our future generations is not something we’ll want.
April 2, 2012 at 12:12 am
John Hepburn
And what was the very first thing the IMF demanded Greece hand over to them? Their utilities, (water, sewer, etc) These monsters have to be stopped.
April 19, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Martha Rees
What is Capitalism.
1. I don’t think it is mercantilism, because while mercantile systems do seek profit, the producers still own the means of production (land, tools, etc.), and profit is made and wealth accumulated based on the ability of merchants to buy, sell, create monopolies, demand, scarcity, etc.
2. The definition–Any system for the management and distribution of capital (= any production in excess of that needed to satisfy the basic needs of an individual)–also took place long before modern capitalism developed. In fact, just about all human societies (economies) produce surplus. It’s what happens to that surplus that’s the interesting part.
3. Marx: A ‘mode’ (or historically dominant) form of production in which wealth is accumulated by owners of the means of production (land, factories, etc.) based on the “FREED” (landless) labor of workers. The wealth is then either spent (consumed) or reinvested in more production (then it becomes CAPITAL). Indicator that you’re looking at a capitalist system: wages. Now, even today, lots of production (and reproduction) take place outside of wage systems, but many would argue that wages are the dominant form of organization of labor today, and that even those who are paid in ways that are not exactly wages, are affected by the comparison with wage system.
July 13, 2012 at 6:58 pm
jahwarrior
In reply to the article on capitalism, thank you for taking time to share. Capitalism allows greed and envy to rule. By placing your existence and faith in a shady system is basically selling your soul. They got the nukes, but what we have is for I-ver! Give thanks to the Creator! -Jahwarrior
October 18, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Leo
Hi Alex,
Enjoyable read – as is every theoretical alternative to the current situation.
I have a few questions. Forgive me if these have already been mentioned or discussed on your site, and if they have can you direct me to them?
What is your actual alternative to capitalism, or are you proposing no follow-up economic alternative? Socialism, eventually leading to communism, offer more restrictions and less freedom due to the excessive involvement from those in power.
-” I can’t prescribe the ideal post-capitalist world and I wouldn’t try”-
This worries me somewhat. If you have no alternative system then how can you claim your ideals aren’t simply dogma or rhetoric? Democracy, freedom, justice and sustainability are again being belittled into buzzwords aimed at catching the reader’s eye.
The most important thing when changing the fundamentals of society is the transition from old to new. The destruction of the old system needs to be counterbalanced with the creation of the new system. If you have no idea of what the new system is, you’re opening society up to reckless destruction without any direction – anarchy. I sincerely hope you’re not a proponent of anarchy, as this is little more than a system which allows the biggest bully to win and the weakest to be cannon fodder.
My other concern is your constant divisive comments about “left” and “right”. Neither left nor right are the way forward, as both simply divide the people and weaken us. Instead, we should look to walk the middle path, neutralising the extremes of both the left and the right, whilst uniting the people on central ground.
Alas, it seems all theoretical systems ignore one crucial constant – humans. The order of mathematical equations on which theories are built forget about the chaotic nature of human beings. The vices and virtues of our species often determine the failure or success of a theoretical system when implemented into reality.
Your site is very much geared towards a faithful approach in believing our virtues will overcome our vices. As a sceptic, I’m not so sure. It seems the universe is inherently indifferent, where opposites are in constant existence. I fail to see a time when humanity isn’t susceptible to greed or laziness.
Also, can you tell me how ending capitalism will end the pillaging of the world’s resources? I presume this is built on the assumption that ending consumerism – a key component in capitalism – will end the constant need for excessive production – the main use of resources. However, I fail to see this having much of an affect without global political cooperation. I would also argue that the unsustainable population boom is a greater contributing factor to the drain on resources, even more so than our economic system.
You also mention nuclear warfare as being a possibility should capitalism continue. I’m finding it hard to make the link. Living in the UK, I only have to look at the history of my nation and my fellow Europeans to understand how devastating our violent past has been. Ever since our nations have been linked through multinational capitalism, the power of governments has been neutralised. Why would the UK government attack the French or the Germans when it would be counter-productive to our economy? I would argue that an alternative system whereby resources are under the control of a state, as opposed to corporations, is far more likely to cause global warfare due to national governments wanting a greater control over the globe’s resources.
Anyway, I’d be interested to hear your response, either on here or directly via email.
Regards,
Leo
October 28, 2012 at 11:37 pm
alex
hi Leo,
thanks for commenting and offering your thoughts.
i agree that a basic faith in human goodness is absolutely necessary to achieve a better world. if we fall into cynicism, we might as well give up now because we’re playing into the hands of the enemy (the power-structure).
in terms of “my” alternative to zombie-capitalism, i am working on the idea of “living radicalism,” which is a philosophy meaning:
A) placing positive value on LIFE, rather than capital or production, and basing ideas on our actual lived experience and tangible knowledge, rather than dogma
B) RADICAL meaning “root”, as in, we have to cut through the smokescreen of false truth and try to discover the core of reality which is hidden below the surface. in other words, a relentless questioning of all professed ideas.
i’m not interested in telling everyone on Earth how they should live, mind you. so i hesitate to put forward a “system” and say “everyone live THIS way!” instead, i believe we need to liberate human potential from the power structures which oppress and control us, including the self-defeating attitudes we have internalized from those systems.
i believe people naturally gravitate towards democracy, freedom, etc., and it is the power structures which divide us and turn our thoughts towards selfishness and greed.
you might want to look into “anarchy” more, because if you ask the anarchists, “anarchy” means the opposite of what you’ve described. in other words, order and equality, and the destruction of all “bullies” or hierarchy.
capitalism IS the source of the destruction of the Earth’s biosphere. there is really no way around it. blaming population is just avoiding a critique of the power structures which profit and benefit from this destruction.
finally, im not saying nuclear warfare is very likely, i have no idea how likely it is. it is worrisome that Israel (which has nuclear weapons) is always saber-rattling against Iran (which may at some point gain nuclear weapons).
i’m all for international cooperation, that is key and without it, i agree we are doomed. i think it will be much easier for people to cooperate once we get these corporations and states out of the way with their endless competitive drives for power and profit. humans are much more likely to want to talk about things, than drop bombs on one another. power structures order us to do the opposite.
alex
April 12, 2013 at 11:10 am
Bryan
Alex,
“Hats Off” I do applaud your commitment to humanity and the efforts that you’ve applied to the cause. I really do agree with your mindset on the evolution of mankind. Obviously, I’m not as schooled on the topic as you and many of your readers so some of my questions or thoughts may seem remedial, but this is a new topic to me.
To start, I am self employeed in the automotive service industry. (I know, a business owner that wants to end capitalism, it’s like I’m a traitor) I’m also a believing Christian. Not that my religious views should be forced on others, but for me, I feel God must be VERY disappointed with what we (mankind) has done with the planet that He’s made for us and how we’ve treated our fellow man. Is there even a number of how many human beings have been killed by their fellow man since the days of Adam and Eve? I’m sure it’s a staggering number, and increasing on a daily basis.
I feel that humans are selfish beings, like a child we think everything is “Mine!” It’s time for man to “Grow-Up”. I also feel Capitalism has been used to harness our individual selfishness and used to fulfill others individual selfishness. Example; I want to be rich, so I will find someone who needs/desires money and hire (exploit) them for my own gain. I think it could be best said that Capitalism creates Individualism within a society.
So, how do we change? (I know – The Million Dollar Question – pardon the pun) I think America is the best place to start. We have laws, written by our countries’ founders that state our government should be for the people, by the people. We have the technoligy so that every voice in America can be heard through a vote. But, does anyone in America really feel like their voice has been heard? Does anyone really trust that our elected leaders are looking out for our true best interest? I wonder if surveyed how many people would think our leaders are honest. I also wonder if a canidate ran for President under the Independant ballet and just campaigned saying “I Will Return The USA Back To It’s People” if they’d actually have a chance. I don’t know, but I do know that most of Americans are fed up with banks and corporations controlling our way of life. I think originally capitalism worked, because it made individuals feel like they had control of their future and security. But, after this recent depression it opened the eyes of everyone. We have control as long as “They” let us have control. Very scary thought.
I know this has kind of turned in to a political rant, but I’m thinking a kind of Census Democratic approach would be the winning ticket. I’m curious on your thoughts about this, or how you would suggest getting this ball rolling.
Thanks again for your commitment to the cause of a better society
Bryan