Growth Fetish

by Clive Hamilton

Book Overview

For decades our political leaders and opinion makers have touted higher incomes as the way to a better future. Economic growth means better lives for us all.But after many years of sustained economic... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0745322506
• ISBN13: 9780745322506
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Pluto Press (UK)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A NEW LIFE

Clive Hamilton in Growth Fetish is fermenting a philosophy of a new life. The model of democratic capitalism focusing on economic growth has created a society that thrives on gaining an identity from what they purchase, big house, fancy car, etc, rather than from what they produce. The Third Way advocated looks at the failure of the capitalist market model and is suggestive of what goods and services are more public provision. It is good reading for society to look at what has gone wrong with the fetish mentality based solely on "money" and identity derived from "possessions", perhaps the base of the greed mentality. Reading this book will also make people more environmentally friendly. Once you start reading the book, you can't put it down, it takes hold of you.

A gem of a book

If you are wondering where infinite GDP growth is taking us then you should read this book. If you are wondering what infinite consumption is doing to us as a race then you should read this book. If you are wondering why the choice has gone out of politics as every party tries to seize the middle ground then you should read this book. If you are wondering why GDP seems to grow but your life doesn't get better then you should read this book. If you've ever wondered why we need thousands of hair care products which differ only in how they are marketed, you should read this book. Basically, you should read this book. Someone ran off with my copy, but I'll buy another. It really is that good. You'll find yourself picking it up again and again, and like Shakespeare you'll take something different away from it every time.

Hamiltons basis in stats is excellent

Clive Hamiltons sequel to Growth Fetish, "Affluenza", is rich with statistics on the state of Australian debt, spending habits and attitudes. Based on a great deal of research by the Australian Institute and others, perhaps in response to the more rhetorical basis of his last book. And those stats are truly shocking: the majority of Australians are sacrificing rich, fulfilling lives for overworked ones so they can live like the rich. If you've read Growth Fetish you know the questions, in Affluenza you get some of the answers: downshifting, voluntary simplicity and re-engagment with community.

Must read - must act

Extraordinarily insightful - significant and urgent. As a 'civilised' society we must dampen the motivation of self interest and greed at the expense of all else (relationships, environment and happiness). This book describes in detail the roots of our unhappiness 'the prisoners of plenty' and seeks to describe a way forward. It will capture your imagination and stir you to reassess your definition of success.Easily the most signifcant book I have read and cannot recommend it highly enough. Enjoy and hopefully our 'advanced' human race can evolve to a society that promotes and supports the full realisation of human potential for all.

Growth Fetish

Trained in economics and politics, Dr Clive Hamilton is Executive Director of The Australia Institute, an independent Australian public interest think tank. For the first time his book clearly analyses the current world-wide fetish for mistakenly equating economic growth with improvement in wellbeing and outlines his illuminating view of the "post-growth society". For instance, he states:- "The transition to a post-growth society will be just as far-reaching as the transition from feudalism to industrial capitalism or from industrial capitalism to consumer capitalism. It will fundamentally transform power relationships, social institutions, our relationships with others, our ethical rules, our attitudes to the natural environment and, ultimately, our consciousness."This book demonstrates integrative thinking of a high order and is a welcome change from the plethora of writing that is full of critical thinking about world affairs but does little to suggest a way forward for the growing number of people who feel there is more to life than increased consumption.I believe it is a "must read" for thinkers in all fields everywhere.