ABSTRACT
In the Anthropocene, the gap between the theory and practice of economic equality has reached untenable extremes, weakening that other Enlightenment triumph, democracy, and giving new vigour to its ancient enemy, plutocracy. After the collapse of the global financial system in 2007/8, a golden opportunity for root-and-branch economic reform was spurned in favour of protecting those who caused the crisis. The extremism of the Anthropocene crisis, and the extremism of growthism’s pursuit of unlimited economic expansion ensure a white-water ride to the future. Regardless of growthism, or any other relativity, there has always been an absolute case for utopia, a case derived from basic human ethics. The goal of a world based on reciprocal respect for human dignity, self-expression and freedom has always been there and will probably remain as long as human beings exist. A form of human essentialism may emerge, perhaps recognizing the need for environmental sustainability and socio-economic equality.
