Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense

I am relatively new to this subject and my background to economics is slim to none. John Ikerd presents a coherent and very common sense perspective on sustainable economics. I would highly recommend this book to folks who are interested in this subject. I would also warmly encourage folks to purchase this book new so as to support the author. He came to our small private college to lecture to our fledgling environmental group and we had a great time and learned much. Again, I would highly recommend this work as well as his other book entitled "A Return To Common Sense" of which I am still in the middle of reading. Don't pass this book up! It will enrich your life!

John Ikerd's Sustainable Captialism: A Matter Of Common Sense traces the modern change of capitalism from a political system driven by social purpose to one searching for economic growth at all costs. The sustainability of the planet is at risk under this new capitalism, and Ikerd provides a critique of this new order and a framework for restoring balance into world economic system, making capitalism not the enemy of these goals, but a means to an end.

I'm one of those people that Ikerd mentions in his book who always thought economics and markets were topics that were too complicated to deal with. I took an accounting class and an ag. economics class in college (because I had to), then I basically avoided the subject. Reading "Sustainable Capitalism" changed my thinking. I realized that not only could I understand the economic theories and systems Ikerd talks about, but I could also see why it was important to understand them, and that it is possible to change the current system. It's a very hopeful message! Ikerd is very good at explaining the current economic system and what it could be. His common sense approach to creating a sustainable economic system makes it seem doable, even if it will involve a lot of effort. I feel like I have a framework to work from now. I'd like to see sustainable capitalism taught at all colleges and universities -- even high schools. I'm a convert -- I went from avoiding economics to actually being excited about what the future could hold.

John Ikerd, author of Sustainable Capitalism: a Matter of Common Sense, trains his unique insight on a key problem of our time--that is, " ... maximum current growth, with little regard for future ecological or social sustainability." Ikerd's understanding of history and psychology, in particular, underscore his vision for a moral economic system. He rightly criticizes the topsy-turvy capitalistic system neoclassical economics has spawned--a dysfunctional system that exploits and extracts in the name of economic development. In short, Ikerd's book is a must read for all those who believe in a government empowered by the governed that works to restore competition and essential market controls, who understand that the "mechanistic worldview" and "reductionist philosophy" embraced by neoclassical economists are as dead as dinosaurs, and who are willing to make "conscious, purposeful decisions to care for each other and care for the earth as they care for themselves."