In her book “Sacred Economics,” Charles Eisenstein presents a vision of an economy that prioritizes connection, relationships, and community over profit and growth. As someone who has long been critical of capitalism’s negative impact on society and the environment, I found his ideas both refreshing and hopeful.
At the core of Eisenstein’s argument is the idea that we have been living in a story of separation – one where humans are separate from nature, individuals are separate from each other, and money is seen as something to be hoarded rather than shared. This story has led us to prioritize economic growth at all costs, even if it means destroying the planet or perpetuating inequality.
Eisenstein suggests that we need to shift towards a new story – one based on interconnection and interdependence. In this story, money is not just a symbol for value but serves as a tool for building relationships with others. Instead of seeing ourselves as isolated individuals competing for resources in a zero-sum game, we can recognize our interconnectedness and work together towards common goals.
One way to do this is by shifting towards more localized economies where people can build relationships with their neighbors and support local businesses. Rather than relying solely on multinational corporations whose profits go towards enriching their shareholders rather than benefiting local communities, we can create systems that benefit everyone involved.
Another key aspect of Eisenstein’s vision is the idea of gift culture. In our current system, giving without expectation of return is often seen as foolish or naive – but Eisenstein argues that it’s actually essential for building strong communities. When we give freely without expecting anything in return (whether it’s time, money or goods), we create bonds with others based on mutual trust rather than transactional exchanges.
Gift culture also helps break down barriers between different socioeconomic classes; when people give what they can freely without judgement or expectation of reciprocation it creates an inclusive community where everyone feels valued regardless of their economic status.
Of course, the question of how to make all of this work in practice is a challenging one. Eisenstein acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that we need to experiment with different models until we find what works best for our communities.
One example he gives is the community currency movement, where local currencies are created and used within a specific region or community. These currencies encourage people to spend their money locally rather than at big-box stores, which helps strengthen local economies while also building relationships between neighbors.
Another example is the rise of cooperatives – businesses owned and run by members who share profits equally rather than being beholden to shareholders. Cooperatives have been successful in many industries from agriculture to healthcare, and provide an alternative model for those looking for more equitable ways of doing business.
Ultimately, Eisenstein’s vision challenges us to re-examine our assumptions about what “success” looks like in an economy. Rather than prioritizing growth at all costs, we can embrace a more holistic approach that values human connection and wellbeing as much as financial gain.
While his ideas may seem radical or even utopian at first glance, they offer a hopeful vision for a future where everyone can thrive without sacrificing our planet or each other in the process. As we continue to grapple with issues like climate change, inequality and political polarization it’s clear that new approaches are needed – perhaps it’s time to start taking sacred economics seriously as one possible path forward.