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The Death of Industrial Civilization: The Limits to Economic Growth and the Repoliticization of Advanced Industrial Society (Suny Series in Environm) (Suny Series in Environmental Public Policy)

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This book examines the insights that political theory can provide in order to understand the value bases of the environmental crisis. It shows the role that modern values play in our lives that is claimed to be both undesirable and unsustainable. It argues for the need for both the transformation of the current dominant set of modern values which emphasize status competition and materialism, as well as the transformation in our social instiutions and practices. Those interested in political ecology will find this book useful.

This book paints a loving, yearning picture of an alternative industrial society in which aspirations of happiness, intellectual and spiritual growth, ecological sustainability, social equity, and --yes-- economic stability may be achieved through simple yet profound shift in values. The essays are deeply political and philosophical, but remain accessible to anyone who wants try and tackle the subject matter. The material is not light nor bombastic-- it is a stark reminder that current industrial societies are unsustainable, and with a human global population about to break the 7 billion-person mark, we had better make some changes, and soon. The inferences the reader may draw from this book are daunting. What is required for true, lasting change is not political or social reform, but a complete revolution of values. This is the good stuff.

The death of industrial civilization is imminent and long-awaited. We are in the last dying days of the worst plague unleashed on humanity - industrial civilization. We have been pasteurized, homogenized, and roboticized, packaged into neat squares for easy consumption. We are our own worst enemy, and all westerners should be encouraged to cease existence as soon as possible, for the good of humanity.