Q
PRESSURES
have accustomed
humans to see the world as a static pie!
If somebody gets a larger slice of the pie, somebody else
inevitable gets a smaller slice? A particular family or city may prosper,
but humankind as a whole is not going to produce more than it produces today?!
Accordingly, traditional religions such as Christianity and Islam sought ways to solve humanity's problems
with the help of current resources, either by redistributing the existing pie, or by promising a pie in the sky!?
Modernity, in contrast, is based on the firm belief that economic growth is not only possible, but absolutely
essential. Prayers, good deeds and meditation might (sometimes also) be very comforting and inspiring, but
problems such as famine, plague and war can only be solved throught growth. This fundamental dogma can
be summarised in one simple idea: 'Íf you have a problem, you probably need more stuff; & in order to have
more stuff, you must produce more of it'?! Modern politicians & economists insist that growth is vital for three
principal reasons. Firstly, when we produce more, we can consume more, raise our standard of living and allegedly
enjoy a happier life. Secondly, as long as humankind (faster & faster) multiplies, economic growth is needed merely
to stay where we are? For example, in India the annual population growth rate is 1.2%. That means that unless the Indian
economy expands each year by at least 1.2%, unemployment will rise, salaries will fall & the average standard of living will decline!
Thirdly, even ìf Indians stòp multiplying, & even ìf the Indian middle class can be satisfied with its current standard of living, what should India dó abóut ìts hùndreds of mìllions of poverty-stricken citizens?