Jeremy Seabrook

Abstract

In a powerful polemic, the author explains how the ‘moral’ dimension of progress is no longer defensible. In fact, material improvement, he argues, is a substitute for moral progress as rich societies devour the planet and teach the world that consumption = civilisation. The present crisis is not merely of our climate but also of our social, moral and spiritual futures. There is, he contends, no damage to the earth which does not have its counterpart in the inner landscapes of humanity. Affluence, consumption and the market ensure that social goods are sequestered from social evils – so that they appear to have different origins. He calls for a regeneration of human resourcefulness where we relearn to meet what are real needs.

Keywords

Culture of consumption, human resources, Keynes, market transactions, progress

From: Race & Class 2020 62 (1)

Editor: Wang Yi