ABSTRACT
At least four main sources of inspiration can be identified in the historical process leading to ecological economics: thermodynamics, evolutionary theory, anthroposophy and Buddhism. These four sources of inspiration represent different perspectives on the nature of economics. Thermodynamics is focused on the material world and seeks a physical explanation of reality showing how the world has developed through eternal, immutable physical laws. Darwinism explains the development in the living world by reference to nature's universal unity and the existence of natural laws with eternal validity. Anthroposophy introduces a dimension that says that matter can never exist and operate without spirit any more than spirit can operate without matter. According to Buddhism the universe is both material and spiritual, and economic thinking must take into account both dimensions. Buddhism's essence is "to overcome selfishness and transform greed into generosity, hatred into loving kindness, and ignorance into wisdom".
