By Peter Grimwood
Some Inspiration from the past for the future of humanity by Roman Krznaric
Here is a new book which I must urgently commend to supporters of the Joy in Enough project. At a time when the environmental crisis is deepening and the politics surrounding the issue seem peculiarly intractable here is a message of radical hope based on historic precedents. In the book there are ten chapters and each one describes a problem and offers a way forward based on historic precedent.
Allow me to focus on three of these.
First the importance of the “radical flank”. Citing the movement for Women’s Suffrage, the emancipation of slaves and the agitation for parliamentary reform he shows how apparently extremist movements can facilitate wise and moderate reform over time. This is a word of encouragement for Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.
Secondly how could we move beyond consumerism and the stuffocracy to a sustainable economy. Here Krznaric cites the Edo period in pre-industrial Japan which demonstrates how a high level of culture can be sustained in a sustainable economy cut off from globalization. For me this was a complete revelation.
Thirdly the question of inequality -a major concern for Joy in Enough supporters. This time the pattern for the future is discerned in the modern history of Finland.
Krznaric shows us how we might still have reasons for what he calls radical hope. Democracy needs to be re-imagined, the “commons” must cease to be a tragic theme and together we need to find new opportunities for fruitful conversation and mutual tolerance. His examples drawn from history are practical and far from utopian. Krznaric writes in an engaging and attractive style. Read this book and persuade your local library to buy it. Worcestershire already have it in stock so I won’t need to donate my copy after all.
Joy in Enough 