Martin Whitlock, co-founder of Stop-GDP.org and author of Human Politics : Human Value, discusses how GDP is a scam and why the money economy is a terrible idea. He explores the discrepancy between personal and economic value, proposes alternatives to measuring the economy, and emphasizes the importance of well-being over GDP.
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Quick takeaways
GDP prioritizes financial transactions over aspects that enhance people's lives.
Valuing human relationships, autonomy, and usefulness in the economy is crucial.
Political engagement and voting for alternative parties are essential for a more balanced approach to measuring and valuing economic activity.
Deep dives
Introduction to Martin Whitlock's work
Martin Whitlock is a writer and campaigner who co-founded Stop GDP. He questions the organization of the world and aims to promote a society that values well-being and individual autonomy.
The flaws of GDP as a measure of progress
GDP is criticized for prioritizing financial transactions over things that truly enhance people's lives. Whitlock highlights the importance of valuing human relationships, autonomy, and usefulness in the economy.
Challenging the current political and economic system
Whitlock calls for a reevaluation of the current political and economic system, emphasizing the need for stronger political campaigns and alternative parties that advocate for a more balanced approach to measuring and valuing economic activity.
The significance of individual action and political engagement
While it's important to consider the personal choices we make and how they contribute to the larger picture, Whitlock urges listeners to not lose sight of the political context. He promotes political engagement and voting for parties that align with alternative visions for the economy.
Moving towards a new economic model
Whitlock suggests focusing on well-being, autonomy, usefulness, and capacity as measures of economic success. While acknowledging the challenge of measuring intangible things, he emphasizes the need to challenge the current paradigm and work towards an economy that better reflects and supports people's values and aspirations.
In this interview we spoke with Martin Whitlock, co-founder of Stop-GDP.org and author of Human Politics : Human Value: Towards a society for people as we really are (not as governments, economists and big corporations would like us to be). We spoke about how GDP is a scam and how the money economy is a terrible idea.
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