The future of competence, creativity – is what arrive it
Dear reader, dear reader,
Imagine that you are sitting at a round table. On the one hand, a Visionary Silicon Valley – optimistic, full of ideas about KI-cities, Mars colonies, and unlimited resources. On the other hand, an environmental activist, convinced that only a radical "Less is more" can save our planet.
Both unified in one goal: the good of humanity. But their paths there could not be more different. And it is precisely here that one of the most exciting questions of our time starts:
What state without growth – and growth without prosperity?
Techno-utopians: growth as a moral obligation
In the heart of Silicon Valley, an almost spiritual Belief: growth and technical progress are the key to a better world.
According to this logic, there is no "Enough" – only the "Even more" of Innovation, Knowledge and opportunities.
Technology as salvation.
From fighting diseases over the colonization of the dream of Mars to the hope of a clean energy future – Techno-utopians believe in the people as a problem solver. For you stand still, quiet expiration. Their Credo: Innovation is a must.
However, this attitude poses a risk: If progress is to Religion, it is easy to forget that the Planet on which all happen to these innovations, is finally out.
More on the topic you can find in my post Innovation as the key to sustainability.
Degrowth: Enough is more
Quite different is the Degrowth movement. You no longer calls for progress, but Moderation.
Their Vision: prosperity through Balance – less consumption, less Stress, better quality of life.
The Gross Domestic Product? For you there is no distance dimension, but a Symptom of a system to its limits.
Instead of “higher, faster, further” - stated: conscious life. Time with people, creativity, and natural are new values. Degrowth is not a step backwards, but a riser towards a prosperity that is not destroyed, but receives.
A related issue is that you can find here: The power of the Region – Why local economy is booming.
Two sides of the same coin
Silicon Valley is known for its efficiency, growth and competition – Degrowth community, frugality, and mindfulness. But both want the same thing: a good life for as many as possible.
The Problem starts when Growth replaces prosperity or Waiver of Innovation is stifled. The solution is not in Either-Or, but Both-and.
We need growth that benefits us – not growth at any price.
We need a waiver, the strengthen – do not waiver from fear.
Read also: Beyond the Profit – New success metrics for the company.
Building bridges: pathways to sustainable prosperity
- Innovation with a focus on: Technology can help to reduce CO₂ emissions, save energy and conserve resources – when properly used. The target must not be a "maximum growth", but "maximum Benefit".
- Quality instead of quantity: Products should be durable, repairable, and resources – is a principle of Circular economythat combines the economy and the environment.
- New standards for success: Rather than just measuring the GDP, satisfaction, education, health, and environmental quality. Bhutan and gross national happiness, here are inspirational.
- Local Resilience: Strong regions with short supply chains provide safety, and strengthen a sense of community, especially in times of crisis.
- Create awareness: Education is the key for children, companies and politicians alike. Because without new no new future Thinking.
Conclusion: Between Vision and responsibility
In the end it is not about technology, or resignation – but of attitude.
We live in a time in which we need both: Innovation and humility.
When we reconcile these opposites to each other, not a future, in what is probably against the state, but with nature grows.
What do you think? We must let go of our thinking about Growth, or our salvation lies in Innovation?
Write to me below in the comments – I'm curious on your perspective!
Sincerely,
your Roland
Related Links:
Here is the Overview of the entire series:
- Creativity in the age of the machines: Who are we, if KI thinks better? (1/8)
- The new authenticity: Why authenticity is the global currency (2/8)
- Degrowth vs. Silicon Valley: Two futures, one Planet (3/8)
- The art of failure in a global comparison (4/8)
- Biohacking for the Creative: Awesome or dangerous? (5/8)
- The future of work: If the sense is more important than income (6/8)
- Creativity by limiting or Abundance? A global view (7/8)
- Culture as a survival strategy: Why people without culture can't survive (8/8)
External Sources:
- Degrowth.info – Official platform of the Degrowth movement
- Stanford Social Innovation Review: Technology as a Moral Imperative
- The Guardian: „Growth isn’t working“
Podcasts:
Videos: