Relevance As economic growth and productivity continue to be touted as the objectives of government, this article, building on the earlier article on the productivity paradigm, reframes the challenge as one of human flourishing rather than fiscal policy. In doing so, the article challenges us to critically examine the dominant utilitarian mindset and its unintended consequences, as we grapple with pressing global challenges such as climate change, widening inequality, and social fragmentation. This article encourages readers to envision a future where economic prosperity is not an end in itself, but a means to foster human flourishing, environmental sustainability, and a just society. Whether you are a policymaker, business leader, or concerned citizen, this article offers a perspective and a case for embracing a human-centred paradigm as a driver of policy.
I’d like to suggest the possibility that when you write, “the dominant utilitarian mindset and its unintended consequences, as we grapple with pressing global challenges such as climate change, widening inequality, and social fragmentation,” that those three problems are not unintended consequences, but actually the strategies of the utilitarian mindset.
They foster fear in the populace, creating judgmental paralysis, and show that these problems are so great that there is nothing that a person can individually do. This is an example of my Spectacle of the Real - https://edbrenegar.substack.com/p/the-spectacle-of-the-real . The effect is to rob us of our human agency, and turn us into passive supporters of the global narrative of crisis.
Consider this.
How is it that after decades of accelerating crises on a global and extraordinary amounts of money and natural resources expended to solve these crises, it doesn't seem that we are any close to any real resolution. Promises fall hollow over time.
I believe we should view these crises from strategic perspective rather that from a tactical resolution one. These crises serve as an inexhaustible source of funding for companies and agencies focused on solving these problems. Am I merely being cynical? Or are we so programmed to accept the word of persons of authority that we do not critically or objectively think about what we see happening right in front of us. It is like the old story of the firefighter who is an arsonist. If things are getting worse, could it then be that the only logical conclusion is that either our world leaders are incompetent or they are lying to us. Either way, it is troubling scenario.
The most troubling aspect of this strategic set is the assumption of overpopulation. It is a part of the creed of belief that we need to depopulated the planet to save it. Stalin was correct. A single death is a tragedy. A million deaths a statistic. This is the logic that is being applied. We are going to depopulate the planet. Bill Gates has been very clear in saying the purpose of the global vaccination program is to lower the population of the planet. The outcome is not public health but genocide. The wars of the past generation are one way this purpose can be accomplished. Depopulation or eugenics serves the cause of centralized power. The alternative is to decentralized or localize problem solving so that people have a direct hand solving the problems that affect their community.
A restored culture of humanistic values, I believe, provides a basis for us to be able to collectively, as family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to approach these global crises with greater skepticism and accountability towards those who managing these crises.
I’d like to suggest the possibility that when you write, “the dominant utilitarian mindset and its unintended consequences, as we grapple with pressing global challenges such as climate change, widening inequality, and social fragmentation,” that those three problems are not unintended consequences, but actually the strategies of the utilitarian mindset.
They foster fear in the populace, creating judgmental paralysis, and show that these problems are so great that there is nothing that a person can individually do. This is an example of my Spectacle of the Real - https://edbrenegar.substack.com/p/the-spectacle-of-the-real . The effect is to rob us of our human agency, and turn us into passive supporters of the global narrative of crisis.
Consider this.
How is it that after decades of accelerating crises on a global and extraordinary amounts of money and natural resources expended to solve these crises, it doesn't seem that we are any close to any real resolution. Promises fall hollow over time.
I believe we should view these crises from strategic perspective rather that from a tactical resolution one. These crises serve as an inexhaustible source of funding for companies and agencies focused on solving these problems. Am I merely being cynical? Or are we so programmed to accept the word of persons of authority that we do not critically or objectively think about what we see happening right in front of us. It is like the old story of the firefighter who is an arsonist. If things are getting worse, could it then be that the only logical conclusion is that either our world leaders are incompetent or they are lying to us. Either way, it is troubling scenario.
The most troubling aspect of this strategic set is the assumption of overpopulation. It is a part of the creed of belief that we need to depopulated the planet to save it. Stalin was correct. A single death is a tragedy. A million deaths a statistic. This is the logic that is being applied. We are going to depopulate the planet. Bill Gates has been very clear in saying the purpose of the global vaccination program is to lower the population of the planet. The outcome is not public health but genocide. The wars of the past generation are one way this purpose can be accomplished. Depopulation or eugenics serves the cause of centralized power. The alternative is to decentralized or localize problem solving so that people have a direct hand solving the problems that affect their community.
A restored culture of humanistic values, I believe, provides a basis for us to be able to collectively, as family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to approach these global crises with greater skepticism and accountability towards those who managing these crises.