The Root of All Evil

Abstract

The world’s economy is based on the assumption of continual growth. Industries have exploited every possible means to sustain and expand markets. One effect has been to increase the levels of personal debt in many western countries. Social fragmentation and isolation help to convert traditional social support activities into service industries. Corporate attitudes and ideas have infiltrated society, creating the consumer society. Values are increasingly measured in monetary terms. Materialist attitudes lead people to value possessions over human relationships and instant gratification over effort and achievement. However, today’s global society is reaching limits to its growth.

Economists see no limits to growth—ever.¹