Aparigraha the Humane Solution

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 19

CONSUMERISM-ANTI-HUMAN GOAL
the definition of a recluse or a sanyasin. The ascetic's life of meditation is for the few and that of an active householder is for the many, so instead of taking the extreme view it is sensible to take a moderate view. This essay does not therefore remain a purely theoretical discourse which would alienate the masses; on the other hand, it would serve a better purpose if it could provoke more people to think that it is futile on the part of the rich to go on collecting more and more, or of the not-so-rich to join the rat race.
11
It is not difficult to find literature on the ills of consumerism and environmental degradation as numerous writers and thinkers have written brilliantly on the subject but if such thoughts come from the category of thinkers who are well-known economists themselves, they are likely to attract more attention. If the modern economic ideology is attacked by eminent economists themselves, it would carry more weight than if it was criticised by a believer in renunciation. Among such critical writings two important works need mention. The Affluent Society by J.K. Galbraith and The Cost of Economic Growth by E. J. Mishan. These works look more like works of practical ethics than just critiques of modern economic thought. These economists, who are so well-versed with the complicated principles of economic theory have very forcefully and convincingly questioned the the relevance of the dogmas religiously preached by the gurus of economic growth. What is now required is the understanding and zeal to say that these accepted concepts of economics are in fact only dogmas and that they are outdated in today's world.
The economic philosophy of the last two hundred and fifty years can be credited to Adam Smith's ideology as expressed in his The Wealth of Nations. His ideology of self-interest for self-promotion combined with the development of science and technology is responsible for an attractive economic philosophy but is one that lacks human values. The concept of self-interest as the motivator was justified and was given a proper shape in Jeremy Bentham's ethical hedonism around the same time. He derived 'ought' from 'is' and from 'self-interest' the 'interest of all'. His ethical philosophy is summed up thus: `We do desire pleasure, therefore we ought to desire pleasure". He derives his ethical hedonism