Deep Economy: Growth and Decline in America

[Thoughts from, about, and inspired by the book Deep Economy, by Bill McKibben. Stats cited are from that book.]

Since 1951, GDP per capita in America has tripled. That is, for every person in America, there is three times as much economic activity as there was 50 or so years ago. We own twice as many cars, on average, and new homes today are double the size they were in 1970. So why are we getting less happy?

Once a year for quite a while now the National Opinion Research Council has asked Americans whether, on the whole, the are very happy, pretty happy, or not too happy. Since the early 1950s the percentage of people who counted themselves "very happy" has steadily dropped.

This is one of three findings that McKibben cites as proof that economic growth is not as beneficial as we've come to believe. The other two: one, although the economy has ballooned since WWII, many people's real income and wealth has dropped, and financial disparity has risen sharply, which is to say, the gap between the rich and the rest of grown; and two, earth's natural resources cannot sustain unlimited growth. In fact, if China's growth stays on the current pace, by 2031 (only 23 years from now) China alone will consume 99 million barrels of oil per day. To put that in perspective, that's 20 million more barrels per day than the entire world uses now. That's just one example.

I believe that one of the major theses of this book will be that happiness and satisfaction require only a minimum of financial resources, but are inextricably linked to community. And that by pursuing this "Economy of Community," as I've put it, many other problems can be abated. It's an exciting book - I highly recommend picking it up soon, and discussing it with me!

Back in the brilliant tumult

Back in America, back for Christmas and New Year's and families and get-togethers and small talk and resolutions and overeating and finding the funny in suburbia because suburbia is all we have. I'm in Phoenix for a short spell with good friends Aaron and Christen, and their son Xavier.

For those who might wonder, here's what I'm doing now:

Acholi Beads: My family and I are defining a new type of business - the compassion of the NGO merged with the strength and longevity of a business. It's the beginning of something big.
Invisible Children: Though my time in Uganda is finished for now, I may keep working for them on a new project stateside. Or I'll find other creative ways to support the incredible work they're doing.
re:tithe: I'm formulating some thoughts and many questions about the economy of community and compassion. This is going to be a serious pursuit ASAP.

For those who might wonder, here's what I'm thinking now:

So much must change, and so much is changing. Faith and action are synonymous unless you are a fatalist. Jesus' teachings and commands are much more applicable to tomorrow morning than most people will acknowledge. Unless someone takes the first step, we won't have anyone to follow. Life is about stepping into the void between the familiar and the impossible. Those who live with a reckless disregard for what is possible are the only ones who do great things. Impetuousness is the seed of greatness.

The theme of 2008 thus far is Action. It's been in the air and on the web and in my head and in the expectant, impatient rhythm of time.

So far I've been resting, recovering, readjusting, and I've been slow in getting in gear and in contact with many of you, but look for that to change soon. Happy New Year!