Judy Kraft is inspired by Riane Eisler in conceiving of her NSPPBC program on Nov. 9. "Riane Eisler shows that the great problems of our time - such as poverty, inequality, war, terrorism, and environmental degradation - are due largely to flawed economic systems that set the wrong priorities and misallocate resources. Conventional economic models fail to value and support the most essential human work: caring and caregiving. So basic human needs are increasingly neglected, despair and ecological destruction escalate, and the resulting social tensions fuel many of the conflicts we face today." Carl's response is that our economic systems are the result of our nature. We humans have been able to evolve to where we are partly because of a strong instinct for doing what seems to be in our best interest. We have learned that we have a better chance for survival in groups, and we have developed strong instincts for caring for our children because we have a sense that survival is not only about us but also about our species. And we are hopefully developing a civilization that will enable us to survive our growing capacity for self destruction. Our evolution and our desire for survival makes Riane Eisler's hopes important. But we cannot decree that our economic system will work differently. How can we get to what Riane Eisler is imagining ? Judy and Rabbi Lerner point to several books that can help us visualize our possibilities and Googling these ideas leads to some other points on the leading edge of our survival. Rabbi Lerner and others are observing that war is not working to help us survive (or prosper). NSP & the U.S.Congress are contemplating that 1-2% of our GDP (less if other wealthy countries participate) invested in aid to poor countries will be more effective than our military might in reducing the threat of terrorism. Jeffery Sachs presents a highly developed analysis on how that could work. GNP & GDP were Measures of national income and output $11 trillion in the U.S. in 2006. Our national defense budget is about $500 billion and our foreign aid is about $16 billion in 2007 (verify these!). Jeffrey Sachs suggests spending $135-$195 billion annually on worldwide poverty related problems. If the U.S. contribution to that were $100 billion that would be just 1% of our GDP. This is a very complicated subject and maybe not one we are well informed about. The links at the left might be useful to whoever would like to explore this further.

Books Judy Kraft will use in the NSPPBC meeting on Nov. 9 plus Jeffrey Sachs added by Rabbi Lerner. (updated 10/22/09 06:54)

1. The Real Wealth of Nations, Creating a Caring Economics, by Riane Eisler (her website)
2. For the Common Good, by Herman Daly and John Cobb.
3. Richard Layard, Happiness, by Richard Layard.
4. Common Wealth, by Jeffrey D Sachs (2008), NYT book review.
5. The End of Poverty, Economic Possibilities for Our Time, by Jeffrey D. Sachs (2005), NYT book review.
6. The End of Poverty, Time Magazine story on this 2005 book by Jeffrey D. Sachs.
7. Jeffrey Sachs, Wikipedia page on Jeffrey Sachs.
8. The Least Among Us, The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It, by Paul Collier (2007), NYT book review.

1. The Economics of Happiness, Part 2: Are Rich Countries Happier than Poor Countries?
2. The Economics of Happiness, Part 3: Historical Evidence
3. The Economics of Happiness, Part 4: Are Rich People Happier than Poor People?
4. Why Are Women So Unhappy?
5. The Debate on Female Happiness Heats Up
6. The Fiscal Costs of Marriage and Divorce

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