Hey there! Anyone out there reading along? Other than one very thoughtful comment from tanager96 last week, we didn't have much conversation about Deep Economy.
Check in with a quick hello if you are reading (or if you've already read it).
We're liking this book more and more as we move through it. How about you?
Chapter 3 of Deep Economy was largely about how we (Americans) have traded community for hyper-individualization and monetary prosperity. McKibben argues, and argues well, that this trade has not been for the best -- that it is making us less happy, the environment less healthy, and people (ie, our neighbors) less taken care of.
But McKibben also argues that there is a way out -- the answer is the "economics of neighborliness," the building of communities. He uses farmers markets as an example of how this works and promises that it can work in other aspects of our lives.
We were fascinated by McKibben's research on communities and relationships and how they relate to happiness. I.E., the more community you have, the happier and healthier you are.
Do you buy it?
Where do you get your community? Is it a naturally occurring thing, or have you found the need to go out of your way to find it? Does it make you happier?
Catch up on the conversation: Deep Economy Chapters 1 & 2
For next week: Chapter 4
image of neighborhood friends via hortongrou; sxc.hu
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I'm picking it up at the library today.
view recovergirl's profile
I just got my copy at the library. I was bummed that the book pick on obeedo was The Emotional Life of the Toddler, as I was rooting for Last Child in the Woods, so this pick is right up my alley. I'm a fast reader, so with any luck, I will be back and post a comment.
view smilla653's profile
I am reading along, but a little bit behind. I hope to catch up by next week.
view Grace2's profile