In this book, David Graeber argues that debt has a much longer history than money and that it has played a central role in shaping human societies. He debunks the myth of barter as the precursor to money, instead proposing that credit systems and debt were the primary means of trade. Graeber examines how debt has been used as a tool for social control, influenced law, religion, and politics, and has led to periodic crises and debtor revolts throughout history. The book also discusses the moral and social implications of debt, suggesting that the concept of debt is more complex than a simple economic transaction[1][2][4].
This book delves into the narratives that underpin our society, contrasting the 'Story of Separation'—which views everything as separate—and the emerging 'Story of Interbeing'—which sees everything as interconnected. Eisenstein argues that our current planetary crises are rooted in the old story and invites readers to adopt a new worldview of interbeing. He relates real-life stories to illustrate how individual acts of courage, kindness, and self-trust can transform our culture and contribute to a more beautiful world. The book emphasizes the need to surrender the old worldview of separation to create a more connected and harmonious world[3][4][5].
Sacred Economics traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth. The book explores avant-garde concepts of the New Economics, including negative-interest currencies, local currencies, gift economies, and the restoration of the commons. Eisenstein considers the personal dimensions of this economic transition and presents a vision that is original yet commonsense, radical yet gentle, and increasingly relevant as the crises of our civilization deepen.
BenGreenfieldFitness.com/sacredeconomics
I recently finished what I now consider to be one of the most important and transformative financial books I've ever read: Sacred Economics, Revised: Money, Gift & Society in the Age of Transition by Charles Eisenstein.
The book traces the history of money, from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, and the new revised edition includes new material on cryptocurrencies and emerging research that has come out since the book's original publication. Charles shows how capitalism contributes to alienation, competition, and scarcity; destroys community; and necessitates endless growth at the cost of social and environmental devastation.
Today, these trends have reached their extreme - and their collapse presents a golden opportunity to transition to a more connected, ecological, and sustainable way of being. Charles describes the deeper narratives beneath our economic system, and how we can reimagine it to align with a new story.
Applying a broadly integrated synthesis of theory, policy, and practice, he explores avant-garde concepts of the New Economics, including negative-interest currencies, local economies, gift economics, cryptocurrencies, and the restoration of the commons.
Tapping into a rich lineage of conventional and unconventional economic thought, he presents a vision that is original yet commonsense, radical yet gentle, and increasingly relevant as the crises of our civilization deepen. Charles is an American public speaker and author. His work covers a wide range of topics, including the history of human civilization, economics, spirituality, and the ecology movement.
Key themes explored include anti-consumerism, interdependence, and how myth and narrative influence culture. His books include:
My initial introduction to Charles and his writing was when I discovered his wonderful essay The Coronation, which you can read here.
During our discussion, you'll discover: -What is "sacredness" and how has humanity strayed from it...08:27 -How a "gift economy" facilitated community in past ages...15:01 -How our own "inner compass" might dictate fairness and equity in a gift economy...23:48 -Why did money come about in the first place?...33:11 -How relationships deteriorate when money becomes the source of value, versus that which it once symbolized...38:22 -Environmental implications of this loss of sacredness in economy...40:43 -The problem with usury aka interest...47:12 -How money is created by debt...51:15 -How to begin to shift to a more sacred economy...57:28 -Why Charles' book may be one of the most important financial books you've ever read...1:05:11 -And much more! Upcoming Events:
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Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Charles Eisenstein or me? Leave your comments at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/sacredeconomics and one of us will reply!
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