170. Helena Norberg-Hodge: An alternative story of progress, a critique of the economic worldview and the localisation movement
Mar 2, 2023
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Helena Norberg-Hodge, a linguist and regenerative movement originator, challenges the conventional story of progress. She discusses the flaws of the current economic paradigm and advocates for the localization movement. They explore historical origins of economic power, intergenerational learning, impact of the economic system on desires, and importance of feedback loops.
The dominant economic system has caused exploitation and concentration of power in the hands of global corporations, highlighting the need for localization and diversified economies.
Modern schooling has eroded traditional knowledge and land-based cultures, emphasizing the importance of re-establishing intergenerational contact and valuing the wisdom of elders.
Power has become concentrated in the hands of global corporations, leading to the loss of self-reliance, cultural diversity, and the environment, underscoring the potential of local economies and community-based structures to address these issues.
Deep dives
The importance of localization and the dangers of the global economic system
The podcast discusses the need for localization and the negative impacts of the global economic system. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how the dominant economic system has caused exploitation and concentration of power in the hands of global corporations. The speaker highlights the need to shift towards more localized food systems, diversified economies, and community-based structures. They also mention the need to challenge the narrative of progress, consumerism, and urbanization that have been promoted by the dominant system. The podcast stresses the significance of education and information sharing to raise awareness about alternative ways of living that prioritize sustainability, community, and well-being.
The role of education and the erosion of traditional knowledge
The podcast explores the role of education in perpetuating the dominant economic system and eroding traditional knowledge and land-based cultures. It highlights how modern schooling has limited people's skills and knowledge, replacing connection to land and community with a focus on industrial production and consumerism. The speaker emphasizes the importance of re-establishing intergenerational contact and valuing the wisdom of elders. They discuss the need to challenge the narrative that prioritizes individual success and consumerism over the well-being of people and the planet.
The impact of concentrated power and the need for local economies
The podcast discusses how power has become concentrated in the hands of global corporations and banks, leading to a loss of control for individuals and communities. It emphasizes the negative consequences of economic centralization, including the destruction of self-reliance, cultural diversity, and the environment. The speaker highlights the potential of local economies and diversified systems to address poverty, strengthen community bonds, and support sustainable practices. They advocate for a shift towards decentralized, community-based structures that prioritize self-reliance, local knowledge, and the well-being of people and nature.
Challenging the narrative of progress and the idea of normal
The podcast explores the narrative of progress and questions the idea of normality. It challenges the assumption that progress is always positive and emphasizes the negative consequences of a global, consumer-driven system. The speaker discusses the need to question and challenge givens in society, such as the benefits of technology and the business structures that shape our lives. They advocate for a more conscious and holistic approach to understanding progress and well-being, one that embraces diverse cultures, local wisdom, and the interdependence of all life.
The importance of big picture activism and the power of collective action
The podcast highlights the significance of big picture activism and the power of collective action in challenging the dominant economic system. It emphasizes the need to organize and promote an alternative narrative that values local economies, sustainability, and the well-being of people and the planet. The speaker urges individuals to think beyond personal ambitions and contribute to the broader movement for localization. They emphasize the importance of communication, education, and collaboration to strengthen the localization movement globally and create a more sustainable and equitable future.
Helena Norberg-Hodge is the linguist and one of the wisdom keepers and originators of the regenerative movement that through her experiences in Ladakh many decades ago discovered the cracks of the conventional story of industrialisation = progress. We revisit that story, and we talk about those cracks. Helena gives her perspective on the current economic paradigm and why this logic is in many ways, most ways actually in opposition to the logic of life. Helena has developed the Economics of Happiness and is also a center figure in the budding localisation movement. To find out more and to support Local futures visit their webpage. Until then enjoy the podcast! Host: Amit Paul
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