The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Regenerative Economics: New Economic Paradigms, Living Systems, & Holistic Thinking with John Fullerton

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Nov 6, 2024

Join unconventional economist John Fullerton, founder of The Capital Institute and architect of Regenerative Economics, as he challenges our traditional financial systems. He argues for a holistic approach to wealth that includes our natural and social resources. Discussing the myth of separation, Fullerton emphasizes the need for radical shifts in thinking to foster sustainability. Discover how understanding economies as living systems can help us navigate the complexities of today's challenges, while empowering future generations to embrace regenerative practices.

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ANECDOTE

Early Discontent

John Fullerton felt restless at JP Morgan, culminating in a plane ride where he read about a philanthropist.
This sparked a realization; he didn't want to work his whole life just to give money away later.

INSIGHT

Values Dissonance on Wall Street

Many Wall Street workers feel a values dissonance but stay due to practical reasons.
John Fullerton expresses surprise at how few with financial flexibility choose to leave.

ANECDOTE

Inspiration for Regenerative Economics

John Fullerton's 'limits to growth' realization led him to ecological economics, but he found it insufficient.
Observing regenerative agriculture inspired him to apply similar principles to economics.

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(Conversation recorded on October 10th, 2024)

Our modern economic system is designed to maximize financial capital, viewing money as though it were wealth itself. But what would happen if we viewed wealth more holistically, taking into account our natural, social, cultural, and human capital, too?

In this conversation, Nate is joined by unconventional economist John Fullerton to discuss the principles of regenerative economics and the need for shifts in our economic paradigms from reductionist thinking to holistic thinking. Fullerton emphasizes the importance of understanding economies as living systems, advocating for financial and monetary systems that align with the patterns of life.

If regenerative economics represents a societal shift towards sustainability, how does our modern financial system act as a barrier to that shift? If the ‘myth of separation’ contributes to our current economic problems, what types of radical change are needed to reconcile our values dissonance as our crises deepen and accelerate? Finally, how can we teach ourselves to differentiate between the real economy and the financial economy – and to value the things that genuinely add to human and planetary well-being?

About John Fullerton:

John Fullerton is an unconventional economist, impact investor, writer, and some have said philosopher. Building on and integrating the work of many in the field of ecological economics, he is the architect of Regenerative Economics, first conceived in his 2015 booklet, “Regenerative Capitalism: How Universal Patterns and Principles Will Shape the New Economy.”

After a successful 20-year career on Wall Street where he was a Managing Director of what he calls “the old JPMorgan,” John listened to a persistent inner voice and walked away in 2001 with no plan but many questions. He went on to create The Capital Institute in 2010, which is dedicated to the bold reimagination of economics and finance in service to life. John is also the Chairman of New Day Enterprises, PBC, the co-founder of Grasslands, LLC, and a board member of both the Savory Institute and Stone Acres Farm.

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