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capitalism
November 2009 
Capitalist Manifesto : Greed is good (to a point)
Posted on Jun 14th, 2009
by 
Albert
Albert
I welcome a new piece of Fareed Zakaria. Against the new anticapitalistic furor in lots of parts in the world (see it clearly in Europe and Germany too)he postulates simply new qualties in a functional, pragmatic way. Thats good and integrates the best of all worlds. its a transpartisan, systemic view which I recommend especially the combatants in German elections campaigne 2009:)
The Capitalist Manifesto. Greed is good (to a point)
By Fareed Zakaria | NEWSWEEK
Published Jun 13, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Jun 22, 2009
A specter is haunting the world—the return of capitalism. Over the past six months, politicians, businessmen and pundits have been convinced that we are in the midst of a crisis of capitalism that will require a massive transformation and years of pain to fix. Nothing will ever be the same again. "Another ideological god has failed," the dean of financial commentators, Martin Wolf, wrote in the Financial Times. Companies will "fundamentally reset" the way they work, said the CEO of General Electric, Jeffrey Immelt. "Capitalism will be different," said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
No economic system ever remains unchanged, of course, and certainly not after a deep financial collapse and a broad global recession. But over the past few months, even though we've had an imperfect stimulus package, nationalized no banks and undergone no grand reinvention of capitalism, the sense of panic seems to be easing. Perhaps this is a mirage—or perhaps the measures taken by states around the world, chiefly the U.S. government, have restored normalcy. Every expert has a critique of specific policies, but over time we might see that faced with the decision to underreact or overreact, most governments chose the latter. That choice might produce new problems in due course—a topic for another essay—but it appears to have averted a systemic breakdown.
read more...
The Capitalist Manifesto. Greed is good (to a point)
By Fareed Zakaria | NEWSWEEK
Published Jun 13, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Jun 22, 2009
A specter is haunting the world—the return of capitalism. Over the past six months, politicians, businessmen and pundits have been convinced that we are in the midst of a crisis of capitalism that will require a massive transformation and years of pain to fix. Nothing will ever be the same again. "Another ideological god has failed," the dean of financial commentators, Martin Wolf, wrote in the Financial Times. Companies will "fundamentally reset" the way they work, said the CEO of General Electric, Jeffrey Immelt. "Capitalism will be different," said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
No economic system ever remains unchanged, of course, and certainly not after a deep financial collapse and a broad global recession. But over the past few months, even though we've had an imperfect stimulus package, nationalized no banks and undergone no grand reinvention of capitalism, the sense of panic seems to be easing. Perhaps this is a mirage—or perhaps the measures taken by states around the world, chiefly the U.S. government, have restored normalcy. Every expert has a critique of specific policies, but over time we might see that faced with the decision to underreact or overreact, most governments chose the latter. That choice might produce new problems in due course—a topic for another essay—but it appears to have averted a systemic breakdown.
read more...
Access: Public
Try also this blog:
Where Economics meets Memetics
Thank you, Albert! I go with the conclusion about getting back to the moral basics to maintain sanity in capitalism!
Yes, Mila.you might be interested in the blog of Said Dawlabani from San Diego. As he writes from the realm of real estate. Where Economics meet Memetics)
However Fareed is on spot that the healthy driving forces of capitalism and democracy should not be thrown out with the water. (like the child with the bathwater)All ver in the world entrepeneurial spirit is needed a lots. Especially in India, China, Asia in general, Africa and of course, Mideast.
Hi Albert & Mila.
It might be shocking to believe this, but I am a business major, specialising in strategy! And it was a conscious decision on my part to exit capitalism, because I had the inside track that most 'successful' businesses were not even trying to use proper, proven methods of enhancing their organisations; they were just passing on their inefficiencies to the customer to pay for and introducing more and more unnecessary new products while emphasising 'Being a salesman' rather than 'Market a good product' in their training policies & practices. Aversion to Innovation and downright laziness and stagnation were the norm.
It is actually no surprise to me that the bottom 'fell out' with GM and the like, because they didn't have a strong people-based market structure for their organisations, which is what SUSTAINABILITY are about.
There is definitely a middle ground that does not require lying and stealing, just getting back to basics - WHAT PEOPLE NEED AND WANT - and being prepared to modify your offering according to this basic principle to everyone's benefit.
I maintain that there are many MANY needs and wants still unmet for the human component in the equation and there evidently is LOTS of money sitting in places not being optimised [think football salaries and the like]…
A desire for balance and equity is the only missing component at the privileged players level… All a matter of intent…
Sherrilene
Yes.
Its simply necessary to focus all these discussions in a pragmatic way. Free from ideology and predictable reflexes.
A good example is this article from Steve Fraze for Integral leadership Review:
Catalysing Conscious Capitalism Conference
Indeed, anything, which can catalyse more conscious business and capitalism is valuable.
Incidentally this is the idea that another colleague has recently raised. I don't know if conferences are necessarily the solution but it is perhaps one more step along the path to re-education and I would be happy to help rally good resources to such an event. Sherrilene
:) I do not like conferences too.) Lets say they are simply necessary to a ceertain degree.
Sherri, you can reach Steve here.. So feel free to take action at any time.
Albert
Love Fareed.
The world needs to call Michael
Grove, Albert. :)
When the world listens and acts like a functional family, thats main concern is it's children. We will change.
When all government meeting halls are shaped as full circles and not half circles, we may begin to understand the dynamics of a sustainable healthy world society. Children must be included so they can learn.
Or we can continue to let the water spiral down, without the baby…because the baby was never included in the bathwater in the first place.
Michael has been working on a model for over 40 years, knowing this time would come. He could some connections to work that model… into the plan. Europe might be a great place to start.
pick a rabbit hole
Hi Sunshine,
its not even about ONE model. Steve Mc>Intosh wrote this blog entry 2008:
“Question: How could this collective coming together of leaders be most instrumental in bringing public awareness to the great shift that is occurring?
Answer: First, we could demythologize the idea of “the great shift”, recognizing that there is not just one shift, there are actually many shifts in consciousness going on simultaneously in the world—a shift from pre-traditional to traditional in Africa, a shift from traditional to modern in Asia, and in America, and ongoing shift from modern to postmodern, as well as the beginning of a shift from postmodern to integral.
We could also be more discerning about the nature and behavior of cultural evolution, and recognize the fallaciousness of the wishful thinking that expects that the world is going to “wake up” and suddenly become “cultural creative” in a miraculous transformation.”
So even capitalism is growing and running through pertuberances in different ways, Depending if something is changing in South Africa, Somalia, Zimbabwe or Dublin, London Barcelona. In the Arab Gulf Region or India and China.
India, where Fareed was born has some Silicon Valley but lots of Nigerias in it too. Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Guld Region, Iran have diverse devlopment profiles.
A good blog for the economic and cultural connectivity of geopoltical areas is:
www.enterrasolutions.com
And there is even a difference between UK and Germany. Not to mention more than 2o other European countries. We need informed leadership in all countries and, even more important:
The bold readiness and ability to start in the own backyard.
Hi Albert,
There are differences. but I believe it is time for us to look at our similarities.
We must share the common radius.
Of course, adaptations to any sustainable model can be made for special situations, but mother nature only allows us to go so far without encouraging us to return to Gaia. …where we remember we are all part of the same biosphere. We are all connected to the infinite ONE.
This is where we will heal. :)
Ultimately we are one.
Howevver, as Barack Obama and lots of innovative leaders over the world realize we must acknowledge the differences, understand them and , most important, cultivate MASTERY doing this.
Europe had recently the bigggest transnational elections in history.
Unity in diversity is its motto.
Its new that to horizontal diversity vertical complexity must be mastered.
New Age Mantras do not work here. Its a hard job of transpartisan constellation building and natural design.
Michaels model allows “individuality”, and what you declared…
Ultimately we are one.
To be the one body we must believe that we are, and take action in support of that. We already know we are individuals….different. Mankind has demonstrated this over and over. That focus doesn't seem to work very well in my opinion.
I believe mastering is knowing that it does not exist.
365 Tao (by Deng Ming-Dao) # 166
Those who consider their path superior are
condescending.
A parrot who speaks of the totality of the self
is absurd.
Many paths lead to the summit,
But it takes a whole body to get there.
So Michael should now concretely:
Offer designs fr all the different cases I described:):) And do the legwork of working it out. I am doing this work for a long time in Germany and Mideast. I know how exchausting its at times and what incredbile challenges in committement of time, energy and attention it is.
Quoting the Tao isnt enough. Programmes are not enough. Doing in coherent ways , in integer ways, in smart ways and even under pressure and against all odds.
Thats the way. I am collaborating with hundreds of dedicated pioneers from all walks of life. At the cutting edge. No size fits all…):)
If I may, one of the issues in traditional communication is that despite our shared intention to 'educate' with our points, that we don't take time to think of how best to make sure that education is completed at the other end. We are one poor species at communicating!
The other point is that since there are as many different routes to an indistinguishable destination as there are souls in the universe, this 'thing' is going to develop on its own organically, like any other living being.
For too long our intellectually saturated [limited] minds have told us we have a tremendous say in what's going to happen next. Regardless of the models that were postulated, the simple human need for connection has overridden all of the bright ideas at both ends of the spiritual-intellectual spectrum. It is quite simply happening…
I say enjoy the ride and let humans 'come out' and do ours… and certainly keep on sharing; ideally with shared satisfaction as the intentional outcome…
Peace, Sherrilene
In fact its never ultimately about ideas. Though discriminative intelligence is necessary to a certain degree. Trungpa and Wilber rightly spoke about idiot compassion and grandmother Zen. its about ones own unique fingerprints in the right moment. And with a looong breath.
Last week I met dozens of most diverse and powerful people at public opening of European Leadership Academy. What strikes me most are always personal resonances between even strangers in most diverse backgrounds and projects.
And simplicity isnt given so direct. Simplicity always is located at both sides of complexity. I have posted over the last 3 years lots of examples which are for consideration for everybody.
I appreciate good maps. And I appreciate ANY faculty, ability and cabalitiy to get things done. The more the dillemata between consensus and conflict can be overcome the better.
I am collaborating with hundreds of dedicated pioneers from all walks of life.
Michael is a dedicated pioneer as well. We need a common thread…to cut and create a one size fits all, AND a customize that garment at the same time. Just a suggestion for you, that he might be very helpful to you, as a co-tailor :)
<3 j :)
Albert, do you think children could be actively brought into your collaborations as well? They could use the experience so they can lead the future generations right? :)
There are lots of pioneers. And earlier or later the right people will meet. Those with strongest determination, craziness and commitement.
All responsible parents and teachers I know are already educating and empowering and inspiring children. However leadership here and now is needed to shape next decade, to manage crisis worldwide and to open ways for children and young people they can use later.
Well crazy and committed is here if you decide to invite children to participate face to face in any of your meetings, now. I can gather a little group of them :)
its already happening. I met last week Uwe Möller, Germanys former secretary general of Club of Rome. He is speaking in schools with the youngest children. And at other places too. Like him, dozens and hundreds of communication with very young people are happening. I can say this for Germany.
However decisions, and very tough ones! have to be executed in responsible ways by adults.
“It” will not be happen, until children are respected enough, to be educated on world issues and included in the decision making process, at a reasonable age. Which according to experts I have spoken with, is around the age of 14. :)
But of course, people from politics, pediatric and psychiatric medicine, and education have told me the idea is too revolutionary. The world of patriarchy will never accept it. But I am just waiting for the right connection. I know it will happen. :)
What world of partiarchy?? here in Germany alone lots is REALLY happening.
My friend Pelle Billing from Gaia is elaboarting at
www.pellebilling.com
where it about gender liberation beyond feminism
that Patriarchy is a dusted term too. And children are involved already everywhere where new impulses are thriving. They can only be included in so far as responsibility, abiltiy and capabality is cleary given in any project.
Another aspect for current moment of capitialism:
Corporate Social Responsibility in Financially Troubled Times
Steven deAngelis is working out how idealism needs alignment with realism.
Sure there are good things happening, but I think it can be A LOT better.
Where is the patriarchy? Come now. What is the ratio of men to women and children… in high level business and politics? That is the reality of our garden. WE NEED MORE SEEDS.
When children of appropriate ages are educated and involved in high level decision making, I will be impressed. I have a good friend who is a child psychiatrist who treats children by treating THE FAMILY. He thinks children have to be involved before age 14 for them to play the most effective role in society. I have heard of a program in England that is trying to do this, and they are too poorly funded to make real tracks. I think it is so sad. They are trying to include the children, I went to visit them. Nice to see someone taking children by the hand into the circle.
And when the half circles become circles, in places like the US congress, then the worlds family will be able to work together more effectively. A child should be banging that gavel if we gotta bang one.
My father took me by his side as a vascular surgeon, as a very young child. He took me into the operating room at age 8. To Jamaica, on a medical mission to learn as a new nurse. I think it is wise to mentor children everywhere possible. I don't see that happening as much as I think it should be. I think our role as a responsible human race can be improved by respecting and including children in the decision making process. Indigenous wisdom has proved it's effectiveness. We have lost that inclusion in our modern society.
Maybe kids should be paid a nice wage for it too :) But then maybe humanity is too greedy.
Here is a business started by a young boy and girl. KIDS ARE SMART.
My son is director of development of a charity project in California at age 22, a philanthropic film producer and going to college at the same time.
Here is another example of wisdom.
http://ohmdog.com/_wsn/page5.html
I have to tune in here as well, sunshine. Anyone trying to imply that the patriarchy isn't still active is in denial. It most definitely is. Perhaps you'd have to walk one mile on the other side of it to see how it impacts, but it does! And I think there are quite sufficient statistics and other evidences worldwide to make this clear!
If we won't even acknowledge the imbalances and inequities in day to day life, how can we honestly, responsibly move towards correcting them.
Come, let us come clean and stop denying things. It speaks the worst for us all.
Thanks, Best, Sherri
:)
Sunshine, no doubt that kids are smart. And lets clarify what age we are speaking about. In Europe there are lots of groups working with kids in all ages already. Lots depends on concrete life conditions and cirumstances.
I am myself in contacts from kids between 2 and 20. Via Anitta, my partner and lots of connections in Germany. This group is full of potential and in fact is smart in various ways. Transgenerational approaches are on the way. This is really nothing new for me.
To bridge it all , to bring it all together is the challenge.
A family journey is a good thing. :)
Yes, family, friendships, partnerships, nation, community, countries, cultures ..overlapping circles as far as one can see . Riana Eisler reminds in her complex work again and again these nexus.
I have her workshop on my new companies agenda :)
So the circle is round again. In perfect Ying(Yang mode in a developing spiral:
From Fareed Zakarias considerations to Riana Eislers Caring Culture.
Giving space for specific practices and forms of engagement in US, in EU and elsewehere in the global world.
Memetics meets economics.
IT IS STILL for this reason that there can only BE ONE MODEL of a NEW HUMPTY DUMPTY solution rather than the cobbled together amalgam of the OLD HUMPTY DUMPTY solution which we now find broken at our feet.
LET the collective ”spiritual connectivity” with that which IS GOD reign supreme.
God 101…Listen up…talk about a circle…
Imagine if …to every transaction in the world…we added 7 pennies…or seven coins.
to help others…who had no food, dirty water, no healthcare.
How many transactions are their each day on this planet?
think that might connect us all?
“Sacred Geometry” says YES…2 that doorway.
The question is…did we learn in kindergarten…how to share on this planet?
Or more importantly, are we willing?