What we need now is a fundamental rethinking of economics in general, and capitalism in particular. Despite the economic crisis of 2008, and the specter of even-greater collapse impending, we hold assumptions that ensure dysfunction. Deep questions that bear scrutiny include, ÒWhat role should markets play in family life, in social programs, in how we provide health care and education? What are the limits to growth, and can this system function during any prolonged contraction? How do we value (and therefore price under the capitalist model) freedom, democracy, or love?Ó
As we lose sight of intrinsic value, we struggle to value life itself. In a world comprised mostly of gasoline-powered vehicles and poor mass transit, we find it unimaginable that we might construct a way of living that doesnÕt require us to travel farther than we can walk. We discuss the impending extinction of Mankind, but cannot mention the end of capitalism. What would it look like, to change this state of mind?