Dear Editor, I'm writing to express my deep concern about the twisted relationship between humanity and the economy. It began as a simple tool, a means of exchange, but now it's become an insatiable monster demanding our constant attention and sacrifice. This "Economic Egregore," as I've come to think of it, has taken on a life of its own, shaping our lives and twisting our priorities in ways that are both ridiculous and harmful.
Jean Baudrillard, the French philosopher, wrote about hyperreality—how in our modern world, simulations and signs have replaced actual reality. This is glaringly obvious in economics. The real economy, the one of actual goods and services, is overshadowed by a virtual one, a world of digital transactions and theoretical models. We're so disconnected from the tangible realities of making and consuming that we live in a space of pure abstraction. Value isn't determined by usefulness or scarcity anymore, but by the unpredictable whims of the market.
At the core of this Economic Egregore is the belief in endless growth, a delusion that persists despite the fact that infinite expansion on a finite planet is simply impossible. Economist Kenneth Boulding once said, "Anyone who believes in indefinite growth in anything physical, on a physically finite planet, is either mad or an economist." Yet, we continue to chase this impossible dream, sacrificing our well-being, our relationships, and even our planet on the altar of economic growth.
The human cost of this obsession is immense. In the name of "economic rationality," we've created a world where just existing means being a cog in the machine—our worth measured in productivity and profit. A friend of mine works in a call center, and they recently shared the soul-crushing reality of their job. Tied to a headset for hours, they're given strict targets to meet and are constantly monitored for efficiency. Bathroom breaks are timed, and any deviation from the script is met with harsh penalties. The economy has become this autonomous force, constantly pushing aside our basic human rights and dignity.
Anthropologist David Graeber, in his book "Bullshit Jobs," argues that a huge chunk of modern economic activity is essentially meaningless, existing only to keep up the illusion of productivity. How many of us are stuck in jobs that feel completely disconnected from our values and dreams, simply because we need to pay the bills? How much of our collective energy and resources are wasted on tasks that don't contribute anything meaningful to society?
The psychological toll of this Economic Egregore is enormous. We're bombarded with messages equating our worth with wealth and success with consumption. We're taught to fear scarcity, even though we live in a world of abundance. Like the participants in the Stanford Prison Experiment, we find ourselves playing roles assigned by the economic system, often at the expense of our own well-being and the well-being of those around us.
But I believe another world is possible. By recognizing and exposing the Economic Egregore for what it is—a false idol demanding our obedience—we can break free from its grasp. We can imagine alternative ways of organizing our society, ones that prioritize human flourishing and ecological sustainability over profit.
One solution is the "steady-state economy," proposed by Herman Daly. This model shifts the focus from growth to quality of life, aiming for a stable population and a constant level of physical wealth. This would require a complete overhaul of our economic institutions, emphasizing sustainability, sufficiency, and fair distribution.
Another crucial step is separating work from income. By providing a universal basic income, we could free people from the tyranny of "bullshit jobs" and allow them to pursue work that aligns with their values and passions. This would not only improve mental health and social cohesion but also unleash a wave of creativity and innovation as people explore new ideas and ways of living.
Of course, these proposals are challenging. They demand a radical shift in our thinking, a willingness to question the long-held assumptions of our economic system. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Rebellion is the language of the unheard."
Let's rebel against the tyranny of the Economic Egregore and build a world that reflects our true values and aspirations. Let's create an economy that serves humanity and the planet, not the other way around. It won't be easy, but it's necessary if we want to create a future worth living for.
Sincerely,
Everyone ever
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