Is this a good time to disentangle and acknowledge our common human need as a basis for a new economy?
I felt really inspired by this Daily Alternative piece by Inez Aponte https://www.thealternative.org.uk/dailyalternative/2020/4/5/inez-aporte-new-economics and by the 'Human Scale Development' approach, which I had never heard of before. I have been aware of Manfred Max-Neef's Fundamental human needs and the idea of connecting on the level of these needs through 'Non-violent Communication', so the idea of basing an economy on something so equalising seemed very exciting and extremely logical to me. I have also been interested about how clearly this crisis is drawing a line between the necessary and the frivolous and what effect this might have...
So I guess my question is...Is there a way to use this sudden clarity to prompt a wider conscious acknowledgement of these needs and their relationship to value? Perhaps to nudge a deeper realisation of the importance of them being permanently and systemically met for everybody?
Naomi OrbegozoTue 14 Apr 2020 7:47AM
Hi Louise, thanks so much for this response. It has set my imagination racing...but also made me realise that perhaps this thread may be more appropriate in the 'Tell the Story' group. If I copy and paste my post there, would you consider doing the same? I think it could spark an interesting conversation. I would really love to explore some ideas but don't want to 'go down a rabbit hole in the wrong warren' if you know what I mean :)
Louise LivingstoneTue 14 Apr 2020 8:45AM
Yes of course Ida, I can copy and paste my response to you in the appropriate group. I definitely think that story/poetry is something which captures the collective human imagination (which archetypal psychologist James Hillman suggests arises in the heart). Let me know when you have posted your original comment and I'll add my response. Warm wishes :)
Naomi OrbegozoTue 14 Apr 2020 8:48AM
Done! The post is now in 'Tell the Story' under a slightly different title. See you there :)
Louise LivingstoneTue 14 Apr 2020 8:48AM
Great! See you there :)
Louise LivingstoneTue 14 Apr 2020 8:54AM
Hi Naomi, I have to joint the group first. Once approved, I'll add my comment :)
Louise Livingstone ·Mon 13 Apr 2020 12:24PM
I don't have a direct answer Naomi, but I resonate deeply with your question. My own work seeks to illuminate the value of heart wisdom and heart-centred qualities and to bring them into serious conversation at the socio-political level. I agree that this pandemic is particularly equalising; highlighting what is necessary and what could now be considered frivolous. Numerous recent news articles and social media posts talk particularly about the importance of acts of kindness, love, compassion, the value of the arts and nature at this time, and the need to do things differently beyond the crisis to create a world that works for everyone. There has never been a more potent time to act in my view. But how to act, what to do...these are the questions. How to shift human consciousness into realising the fundamental, deep inter-connectivity of basic needs. The human imagination is very powerful. Given the value of the arts in our society at this time, perhaps there could be a vivid visioning of how a different world could potentially look? Could this take place through storytelling or poetry, for example?