How to Quit Capitalism

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the philosophical and ideological nature of capitalism, its impact on society, the environment, and the need to move towards a post-capitalist future. It explores the flaws and excesses of capitalism, while acknowledging its contributions to progress, and proposes alternative economic models and individual lifestyle choices to transition away from the capitalist system.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Capitalism as a Philosophical and Ideological Force

1. What are the key issues with capitalism discussed in the article?

• Capitalism thrives on relentless growth, often at a devastating cost to society and the environment
• It has led to a widening chasm of inequality, where the affluent prosper while the less fortunate struggle
• Capitalism treats the planet and its resources as commodities, leading to reckless exploitation and environmental degradation
• Capitalism has ushered in an era of consumerism, where possessions are the yardstick of success, and we have lost sight of what truly matters

2. How does the article acknowledge the complexities of capitalism?

• The article recognizes that capitalism is not the sole source of the world's challenges, nor can it be dismantled overnight
• It acknowledges that capitalism has been a driver of innovation and growth, lifting people from poverty and spurring advancements
• However, the article argues that the recognition of these achievements does not blind it to the flaws and excesses of capitalism

3. What is the underlying question the article poses regarding capitalism? The article asks whether we can truly free ourselves from capitalism, not just in the practicalities of detaching from a capitalist structure, but in delving deeper into the philosophical quest of redefining our values and reshaping our collective consciousness.

[02] Quitting Capitalism

1. What are the four layers of assumptions the article identifies that need to be peeled back to quit capitalism?

• The assumption that greed and selfishness are innate human traits that any system must accommodate
• The belief that jobs generate, affirm, and organize life's meaning and purpose
• The assumption that capitalist hierarchy reflects meritocracy and differences in human potential
• The conflation of commodification with progress

2. What are the key strategies the article proposes for building post-capitalist alternatives?

• Democratizing work through shared ownership and self-management in businesses
• Localizing production to strengthen community bonds and promote shared prosperity
• Scaling down consumption by challenging the pillars of consumerism
• Providing universal services like healthcare and education as rights
• Reducing the standard workweek to improve individual wellbeing and environmental sustainability
• Implementing wealth taxes and basic income to rectify economic disparities

3. What are some of the individual choices the article suggests to embrace a post-capitalist lifestyle?

• Conscious consumption, minimalist living, and community engagement
• Opting for sustainable transportation and ethical banking/investment
• Volunteering, activism, and developing self-sufficiency skills
• Mindful technology use and practicing the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle)

[03] Embracing Digital Post-Capitalism

1. What are the key ways the article suggests embracing digital post-capitalism?

• Supporting open-source and free software
• Engaging with decentralized digital platforms
• Participating in the sharing economy online
• Practicing digital minimalism
• Promoting and engaging with crowdfunding for social causes
• Embracing remote work and digital nomadism
• Participating in online bartering and exchange networks
• Adopting privacy-conscious online behavior
• Supporting ethical e-commerce

2. How does the article describe the psychological transition required to quit capitalism? The article states that the most crucial transition is the psychological one - quitting the competitive, individualist, consumption-driven mindset at capitalism's core. It argues that no economic reform will create lasting, positive change until we start seeing each other as cooperative partners working towards shared prosperity, and undergo a profound ideological transition before building an equitable post-capitalism future.

3. What is the overall tone and message of the article regarding the path forward? The article takes a nuanced approach, recognizing the need to reform and reshape the current system rather than blindly demolish it. It envisions an economic system that retains the strengths of our achievements while addressing the failures, ensuring that progress and prosperity do not come at the cost of our planet's health or our moral compass. The article conveys a sense of hope and resolve in the ability to envision and create a new paradigm that prioritizes people and the planet over profit.