Economicology : The Eleventh Commandment [Paperback]

Peter M. Wege (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1998

Peter M. Wege coined the term "Economicology" in his book Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment. A combination of economics and ecology, it is a basic requirement for achieving sustainability. Wege identifies the six E's of our future: Economics, Environment, Ecology, Ethics, Empathy and Education. This work provides the reader with a breadth and a diversity of critical ideas and concepts drawn from the author's life experience as well as from important and valued writings of contemporary and historic individuals. The topics range from industrial ecology and solar power to population control and human consumption patterns.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment is written by one of the foremost green thinkers in the design industry, Peter Wege, whose father founded Steelcase, Inc. Wege draws on the collective brain trust of more than 70 intellectuals who have published books and papers including popular heroes such as biologist Rene Dubos, author Rachel Carson, engineer Buckminster Fuller, philosopher Teilhard de Chardin, ecologist Gary Null and futurologist Fred Hoyle.

Wege has managed to expertly summarize their thinking so that is easily digested in short chapters, interlaced with dozens of memorable quotations which he has gathered over the years. What also makes the book particularly appealing is that it is written in accessible language. Wege outlines the "option and action" to accomplish a positive result with E6: a collaborative union of the Environment, Economics, Ecology, Ethics, Empathy and Education. -- Beverly Russell, Editor-at-large, Interiors & Sources Magazine, October 1999

I read a new book called Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment, written by one of the foremost green thinkers in the design industry, Peter Wege, whose father founded Steelcase, Inc. Wege draws on the collective brain trust of more than 70 intellectuals who have published books and papers during the past 80 years. The list is too long to name in full but includes popular heroes such as biologist Rene Dubos, author Rachel Carson, engineer Buckminster Fuller, philosopher Teilhard de Chardin, ecologist Gary Null and futurologist Fred Hoyle, all of whom had an extra exuberance for the earth and for life and laid out the case scientifically for better management of the planet.

Wege has managed to expertly summarize their thinking so that is easily digested in short chapters, interlaced with dozens of memorable quotations which he has gathered over the years. What also makes the book particularly appealing is that it is written in accessible language and generously illustrated with strong cartoon drawings by Mark Heckman. Recognizing that most people lose interest in the subject of ecology, Wege outlines the "option and action" to accomplish a positive result with E6: a collaborative union of the Environment, Economics, Ecology, Ethics, Empathy and Education. -- Beverly Russell, Editor-at-large, Interiors & Sources Magazine

It's not surprising to hear a businessman quote leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. But what about Ramakrishna, an 18th Century Hindu mystic?

Those three thinkers are among many mentioned in a new book by philanthropist Peter M. Wege. Called Economicology: The Eleventh Commandment it details his views on how businesses should be environmentally responsible. "You've got to have a balance," said Wege, son of Steelcase, Inc. founder Peter Martin Wege. "It's got to be between materialism, spiritualism and economics." Wege places plenty of blame on the corporate world. "I am keenly aware that our economics-driven society bears great responsibility for the abuse of our ecology," he wrote.

Wege said he wrote the book because people aren't worried about how today's actions will affect the world tomorrow. "Nobody pays attention to history anymore," he said. -- Scott Leith, The Grand Rapids Press, February 21, 1999

About the Author

An author, ecologist, educator, environmentalist, father, futurist, grandfather, industrialist, innovator, philanthropist, pilot, renaissance man.

Peter Melvin Wege, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, received a traditional Catholic School elementary education and later attended Brown Military Academy and Lake Forest Academy. In 1940 Peter began studies in Industrial Design at the University of Michigan's School of Architecture.

While pursuing his education, Peter was called to duty in the armed services, winning his wings as flight pilot at Eagle Pass, Texas in 1943. Upon returning to Grand Rapids after the war, Peter began working at Metal Office Furniture Company, a company founded by his father Peter Martin Wege, which later grew to become the largest office furniture manufacturing company in the world, known today as Steelcase, Inc.

It was during Peter's service in WWII that he became alarmed at the hazards of pollution and the harmful effects to the environment. He began working as an industrialist, philanthropist, ecologist and environmentalist while he was a young father in his 30's. His many accomplishments and affiliations over the years include: Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Franciscan Life Process Center, Chairman Emeritus of the National Pollution Prevention Center at the University of Michigan, Founder and Present Trustee of the Center for Environmental Study, Past President and Honorary Board Member of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Past President of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Hospital, Past Chairman and Present Trustee for the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the Board of Steelcase, Inc., Trustee of the Steelcase Foundation, and President of the Wege Foundation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: Economicology Press (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966436709
• ISBN-13: 978-0966436709
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,192,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)