ABSTRACT
The world is not mechanic and not Cartesian, but is organic and holistic. According to the ontology of ecological economics, the organic world is based on a concept of nature and society as collective phenomena, and not as the sum of individual atoms. Nothing in nature can be what it is, except as an integral and integrated part of a dynamic whole. In the organic world, the optimum is attained through "highest flexibility", which means the possibility to adequately adapt to whatever conditions may arise in the future. In addition, to promote and respect the diversity of people and of cultures is fundamental for the quality of the whole. Economic systems coherent with local and regional realities, with local and regional cultures, traditions, ways of living and worldviews. Diversity is good for strengthening living systems and for generating innovation and creativity, which are fundamental components of true development.
