After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World [Paperback]

Dada Maheshvarananda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2003

After Capitalism: Prout’s Vision for a New World sheds light on the Progressive Utilization Theory, or Prout, a socio-economic model based on decentralized economic democracy, cooperative enterprise and the ethics of inclusion. Foreword by Noam Chomsky, with contributions by Frei Betto, Marcos Arruda, Johan Galtung, Leonardo Boff, Sohail Inayatullah, Ravi Batra, Mark Friedman.

The book asserts that capitalism contains the seeds of its own destruction, based as it is on greed, intense competition and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. In contrast, Prout provides a model of economic development grounded in universal values. It seeks to balance regional self-reliant economic development with ecological protection, and encourages creativity and innovation.

In his preface to the book, Noam Chomsky stated, "Alternative visions are crucial at this moment in history. Prout’s cooperative model of economic democracy, based on cardinal human values and sharing the resources of the planet for the welfare of everyone, deserves our serious consideration." Historian Howard Zinn, author of the best-selling A People’s History of the United States, wrote: "After Capitalism is refreshingly original. It is spiritual and utopian while remaining grounded in reality. Its analysis is intelligent and its vision inspiring."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dada Maheshvarananda is a highly respected monk, social service worker, social activist and organizer, and a teacher of meditation and yoga. Dada has worked with exceptional commitment in these capacities for over thirty years. He has served and benefited many people and communities throughout the world -- Southeast Asia, South Asia, South America and North America.

Dada Maheshvarananda has studied and continues to study the theory and application of the Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT). Dada also studied under the guidance of founder of PROUT, the late Mr. Prabhat R. Sarkar. He has dedicated his life to not only conveying what PROUT is, but more so to serving "all living beings" through its application.

Mr. Maheshvarananda is affectionately referred to as Dada, which simply means "brother." His complete name is Acharya Maheshvarananda Avadhuta, a Sanskrit name. Acharya is a title meaning "spiritual teacher" and "one who teaches by example." The name Maheshvarananda signifies "one who experiences the bliss of the Lord." Avadhuta means "dedicated renunciate monk."

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: Proutist Universal Publications (January 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1877762067
• ISBN-13: 978-1877762062
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,542,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wealth of Information and Ideas, October 18, 2003

By 

"brahmaviira" (Portugal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World (Paperback)

The most important contribution of this book is that it presents an alternative to the free market economy we have taken for granted.

Especially after the fall of communism, most people have taken capitalism as the given order of life instead of seeing it for what it really is: An economic system that is dominant at a given point of time. 'After Capitalism' shows us that there are alternative ideas out there, and presents those ideas with force and power, backed up by support of some of the most powerful alternative thinkers of our age, such as Noam Chomsky, P.R. Sarkar and Johan Galtung.

Whether you are a staunch free market supporter or a member of the anti-globalisation movement, this book is important for any person who seriously wants to analyse the issues at hand.

If you are a free market supporter, you will find that 'the other' view is actually based on well founded facts and rational ideas, and not just on thoughtless rebellion without a proper ideology. If you do not understand people of different views, it is hard to argue with them!

If you are already critical to the current economic system, you will find here a wealth of information and theories to shape your thoughts and ideas and discover alternatives to the present system.

In either case, it is an important book that I strongly recommend that everyone interested in the current state of the world should read.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Economics of Hope, June 29, 2003

By 

brett sculthorp (Marshall, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World (Paperback)

After Capitalism is the best introduction to Proutist Economics available. It clearly explains Prout, a comprehensive theory on the building of a sustainable economy with principles founded on spirituality and the ethics of Neohumanism (a post-humanist philosophy which acknowledges the intrinsic value of all animate and inanimate beings). This book offers a critique of capitalism as being underpinned by a materialist worldview and fostering global socio-ecological malaise. The author posits that economics should facilitate spiritual growth but capitalism cannot do this. The author uses a breadth of multinational and multicultural examples to explain the global systemic crisis. This book also aims to inspire readers through a call to action. We are encouraged to "hope for a world system of a very different kind" by Noam Chomsky. The author suggests that the change we desire and hope for can be achieved by focusing on the vision of Prout and taking initial steps such as research, information dissemination, networking, community building, and protesting. After Capitalism is an enjoyable read which spans the depth of the Prout vision and communicates current global efforts to bring about socio-ecological justice. This book is a great source of hope.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars After Capitalism, June 24, 2003

By 

Alexa (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World (Paperback)

After Capitalism presents a comprehensive and realistic alternative to the destructive capitalist system. It has a strong base in spirituality, yet remains focused on practical solutions that we can all work towards. I particularly liked the emphasis on justice and equality, as well as the stress on empowerment and celebration of cultures.

The book is well written and researched, and filled with interesting examples and case studies. I believe that PROUT's ideas need to be seriously considered as we work together to build a better world.

After Capitalism is a must read for anyone invloved or interested in anti-globalization, social justice, environmental issues, cooperatives and sustainable development. A truly inspiring and thoughtful book!