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'Modern Life - As Good As It Gets?'
By Richard Docwra
To be published in October 2008

Pre-order from Green Books - www.greenbooks.co.uk

Download Synopsis <Available in October 2008>

Despite our material wealth, life in the modern western world is not as good as it could be for many people. Why is this the case? What are the causes of this situation? And how can we make it better?

This book examines a number of negative aspects of life in the modern western world, including the fact that our lives are too rushed, consumerism dominates everything, we lack connection to our local communities and we lack perspective on our lives as individuals. The book then explores some possible causes of these problems (social, political, economic etc.) and tries to find some overarching links between them. Two of the major causes identified are the particular brand of economic thinking that dominates modern society and our lack of certain 'mental tools' as individuals to help us live happily and get the most out of life.

Finally, the book considers some of the ways we could address these factors, both as individuals and as a society, in order both to make things better for ourselves and to address some of the key issues facing the world today, such as the need for environmental sustainability and a fairer world. Recommendations include a 'new economics' that refocuses the aim of society from the never-ending pursuit of material wealth to maximising the well-being of people within the limits of the one planet we have available. This is accompanied by recommendations to help everyone develop a new set of skills - ranging from skills in the 'art of living' to basic philosophical and thinking skills.

The book represents a new approach to engaging with people on the need for social and global change. More details on it will follow nearer the publication date.

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