“I lament my own immersion in an economy that grinds what is beautiful and unique into dollars, converts gifts to commodities, in a currency that allows us to purchase things we don’t really need while destroying what we do.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
As we continue our Slow Read through Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry, many questions come to mind:
Is the gift economy a realistic alternative to extractive capitalism? Will living closer to nature actually make us happier and healthier? Can humans really live in reciprocity with each other and the natural world?
And maybe, most importantly: “When an economic system actively destroys what we love, isn’t it time for a different system?”
In this chapter, Robin tugs at the threads of these questions, helping us reconcile our desire for a kinder economy with our dependence on extractive capitalism. (and just to let you know, we vote an enthusiastic “Yes!” to all of the above questions.)
Things we chat about in this episode
Why our society needs a distribution of wealth.
Why we believe capitalism needs a total makeover.
How do we reconcile our desire to participate in the gift economy while living in a capitalist society?
Do you identify as a consumer or a giver?
What does abundance mean to you?
And so much more!
Cool things we reference
📕Who Really Feeds the World? - Vandana Shiva
🎶 Song of the Cedars - Cosmo Sheldrake
🃏Werewolves of Miller's Hollow (Les Loups-garous de Thiercelieux)
Actions we are going to take:
Katherine: To make a running list of people and organizations participating in the gift economy in my local area.
Manon: When I am working on a project or event I want to ask, “How can I offer support? How an I create abundance
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