Freedom From The Market: Embracing a World Beyond Capitalism

In Freedom From The Market, Phillip Blond argues that we need to move beyond the destructive forces of capitalism and embrace a more just and sustainable economic system.

Freedom From the Market: America’s Fight to Liberate Itself from the Grip of the Invisible Hand

by Mike Konczal

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	979 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages

FREE

Blond's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate about the future of capitalism. He argues that the current system is unsustainable, both economically and environmentally. He also shows how capitalism is a major source of inequality and injustice.

Blond's vision of a post-capitalist society is one in which people are no longer enslaved by the market. Instead, they are free to live meaningful lives that are focused on community, creativity, and sustainability.

Blond's book is a challenging and provocative read, but it is also a hopeful one. He shows us that there is another way to live, a way that is more just, sustainable, and fulfilling.

The Problems with Capitalism

Blond argues that capitalism is a system that is based on the pursuit of profit. This profit motive leads to a number of problems, including:

• Economic inequality: Capitalism creates a system in which the wealthy get richer and the poor get poorer.
• Environmental destruction: Capitalism encourages businesses to externalize their environmental costs, which leads to pollution and climate change.
• Social injustice: Capitalism creates a society in which people are judged by their wealth and status. This leads to discrimination and social exclusion.

A Vision of a Post-Capitalist Society

Blond argues that we need to move beyond the destructive forces of capitalism and embrace a more just and sustainable economic system. He envisions a society in which:

• People are no longer enslaved by the market: In a post-capitalist society, people would be free to live meaningful lives that are focused on community, creativity, and sustainability.
• The economy is based on cooperation, not competition: In a post-capitalist society, businesses would work together to meet the needs of the community, not to maximize profits.
• The environment is protected: In a post-capitalist society, businesses would be held accountable for their environmental impact. This would lead to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

How to Achieve a Post-Capitalist Society

Blond argues that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problems of capitalism. However, he offers a number of suggestions for how we can move towards a more just and sustainable economic system. These suggestions include:

• Strengthening the social safety net: We need to make sure that everyone has access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and housing.
• Promoting worker cooperatives: Worker cooperatives are businesses that are owned and controlled by their employees. This gives workers a greater say in how their business is run and how the profits are distributed.
• Investing in renewable energy: We need to transition to a clean energy economy as quickly as possible. This will help to protect the environment and create jobs.

Freedom From The Market is a challenging and provocative read, but it is also a hopeful one. Blond shows us that there is another way to live, a way that is more just, sustainable, and fulfilling. He offers a clear and concise vision of a post-capitalist society, and he provides a number of practical suggestions for how we can achieve this goal.

If you are interested in learning more about the problems with capitalism and the potential for a post-capitalist society, I encourage you to read Freedom From The Market.

Image credits:

• Photo of Phillip Blond by Matt Crossick on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
• Photo of people protesting capitalism by Flickr user Seattle City Council (CC BY 2.0)
• Photo of a worker cooperative by Flickr user Scott Beale (CC BY-SA 2.0)
• Photo of a wind turbine by Flickr user Department of Energy (CC BY 2.0)

Freedom From the Market: America’s Fight to Liberate Itself from the Grip of the Invisible Hand

by Mike Konczal

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	979 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages

FREE