A new political and economic imagination? Capital and the Twenty-First Century

I had a few days of leave expiring since I have not been able to take leave yet this year. So, I kept my diary largely clear and am on leave for this week (it is the University’s third term recess from 14-18 September). 

I still have a few small commitments to attend to. I am finishing two chapters for two different books, am attending a few seminars and catching up on some overdue reports and admininistration. 

But, my time is my own! Megie, Courtney and Liam are not on leave with me. Megie is working, Courtney is studying for tests and writing assignments, and Liam is in school. 

So, I am using my the time to read (I am reading Marilynne Robinson’s ‘Lila’ again in anticipation of the release of her new book ‘Jack’ on Friday!) 

I also spent an hour or so practicing my German (much to the entertainment of my dogs and children!) I am exercising. I am growing more grey hair (that happens by itself...), and I watched a great documentary just before lunch. 

I highly recommend it - it is on Netflix and bears the name of Thomas Picketty’s book, ‘Capital in the Twenty-First Century’. 

We need a renewed political and economic imagination to find better ways to live so that no-one has too much, when there are so many who don’t even have enough to survive. What is certain, is that our current economic system is broken. It does not serve the common good. The rich get richer, while the poor get poorer. This is neither just, nor sustainable. One’s social class is bracketed not by creativity, hard work, or commitment (not that any of these things should determine what rights we have - all persons share equally in the image of God and so have equally dignity, and should have equal rights!), rather our social mobility is hindered by capital (or lack thereof).

I highly recommend that documentary, and even more highly recommend that you read Picketty’s book: https://amzn.to/2FkfldH