ABSTRACT
The thesis of the book is that we can achieve a sustainable society without abandoning Capitalism, but this will require that we change the dominant cultural narrative, Classical Liberalism. This dominant cultural narrative is the set of beliefs and values that would have the changes required to achieve sustainability clash with vested interests and make them seem scarier than the potential for climate disaster we seek to avoid. Additionally, it constrains how we frame our problems and sets limits to what will be considered a viable solution. The book argues that changing this narrative is simultaneously the best bet for reinvigorating and strengthening the principles at the heart of the democracies that underpin our personal freedoms.
Three central themes are set out. First, Capitalism is an adaptable institution, designed by us to meet our needs and enhance our lives. Second, to reconfigure Capitalism and optimize it for sustainability will require that we have a bold, new narrative that can provide a coherent framework for our sustainability initiatives. And third, reworking Capitalism to make it sustainable is also what is required to strengthen and reinvigorate our democracies.
We also clarify some important terminology and map out the plan of the book.
