Getting into the Doughnut, with Kate Raworth and Matthew Taylor

In this book, Eric D. Beinhocker argues that modern science provides a radical perspective on how wealth is created within the global economy. He posits that the economy is a 'complex adaptive system' where physical technologies, social technologies, and business designs interact to create novel products, new ideas, and increasing wealth. Beinhocker explores how 'complexity economics' offers insights into issues such as creating adaptive organizations, the evolutionary workings of stock markets, and new perspectives on government policies. The book takes readers on an entertaining journey through economic history, from the Stone Age to the modern economy, highlighting the three-step evolutionary formula of differentiate, select, and amplify as the key to wealth creation.

In 'Metaphors We Live By,' George Lakoff and Mark Johnson argue that metaphor is not just a figure of speech but a fundamental mechanism of the mind that allows us to use our physical and social experiences to understand more abstract concepts. The book introduces the concept of 'conceptual metaphors' and demonstrates how these metaphors structure our perceptions, thoughts, and actions. It challenges traditional views in Western philosophy and linguistics by showing that metaphor is pervasive in everyday language and thought, influencing how we think about concepts like love, arguments, and truth.

Kate Raworth's "Doughnut Economics" proposes a new economic model that prioritizes social and ecological well-being. It challenges the traditional focus on GDP growth, advocating for a system that operates within planetary boundaries while ensuring a minimum standard of living for all. The model is visualized as a doughnut, with an inner ring representing social needs and an outer ring representing ecological limits. Raworth's work has gained significant attention, influencing discussions on sustainable development and economic justice. The book offers a compelling alternative to conventional economic thinking, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues.

In this updated and expanded edition, George Lakoff delves deeper into how framing works, how it has evolved over the past decade, and how to speak to people with both progressive and conservative worldviews. Lakoff urges progressives to present a clear moral vision that aligns with traditional American values, emphasizing the importance of proactive, positive ideas that uphold citizens' well-being and freedom.

In 'Post Growth: Life after Capitalism', Tim Jackson critiques the relentless pursuit of economic growth, highlighting its role in climate catastrophe, social inequality, and financial instability. He offers a vision for a post-growth world where human prosperity is redefined, emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful lives over material wealth.

In 'Labours of Love', Madeleine Bunting delves into the crisis of care in the UK, revealing the underappreciated and underpaid nature of care work. Through personal experiences and interviews with care workers, she critiques societal values that prioritize economic growth over compassion and empathy. The book calls for a reevaluation of care's importance in society.