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Aaliya Butler

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Aaliya Butler rated a book it was amazing

Principles of a Permaculture Economy

by Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr. (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading, economics, permaculture-economics

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Aaliya Butler said: " As a young, Black economist with roots in South Africa, I'm constantly seeking economic models that challenge the status quo and offer a more equitable and sustainable path for the future, especially for the Global South and emerging economies like t As a young, Black economist with roots in South Africa, I'm constantly seeking economic models that challenge the status quo and offer a more equitable and sustainable path for the future, especially for the Global South and emerging economies like the BRICS nations. Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr.'s "Principles of a Permaculture Economy" offered just that – a refreshing and thought-provoking exploration of an alternative economic paradigm.

Smith's book resonated with me on several levels. Firstly, his framing of economics through the lens of permaculture, a design system inspired by natural ecosystems, is incredibly compelling. It challenges the extractive and often exploitative nature of traditional capitalist models, advocating instead for an approach that prioritizes balance, regeneration, and interconnectedness. This resonates deeply with my African heritage, where respect for nature and community are paramount.

Secondly, I appreciate how Smith seamlessly blends capitalist principles with lessons from nature. He doesn't advocate for a complete overthrow of the system, but rather a reimagining of it. He recognizes the power of markets and innovation, but insists on integrating them within a framework that prioritizes social and environmental well-being. This nuanced approach, I believe, is crucial for gaining wider acceptance and driving real change.

The book's emphasis on local control, cooperation, and the circulation of wealth within communities is particularly relevant for developing nations. It offers a pathway for these countries to build resilient and self-reliant economies that prioritize the needs of their people over profit maximization for multinational corporations.
While the book provides a compelling vision, I would have appreciated more concrete examples of how a permaculture economy could be implemented on a larger scale. Addressing the complexities of global trade, technology, and existing power structures would further strengthen Smith's argument.

Overall, "Principles of a Permaculture Economy" is a must-read for anyone interested in a more just and sustainable economic future. It's a powerful call for change, offering a unique blend of capitalist principles and ecological wisdom. I believe this book holds valuable lessons for the Global South, particularly the BRICS nations, as they navigate their own economic development and seek to create a more equitable and harmonious world. ...more "

Dec 27, 2024 04:21PM · see review

Aaliya’s Quotes

“Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

tags: science, superstition

284 likes

“Wherever there is great property there is great inequality. For one very rich man there must be at least five hundred poor, and the affluence of the few supposes the indigence of the many. The affluence of the rich excites the indignation of the poor, who are often both driven by want, and prompted by envy, to invade his possessions.”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

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“In regards to the price of commodities, the rise of wages operates as simple interest does, the rise of profit operates like compound interest.

Our merchants and masters complain much of the bad effects of high wages in raising the price and lessening the sale of goods. They say nothing concerning the bad effects of high profits. They are silent with regard to the pernicious effects of their own gains. They complain only of those of other people.”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

tags: business, class-warfare, economics, labor, money, profit

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“The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities.”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

tags: government, taxes, wealth

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“People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices.”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

tags: economics, finance, government

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