A Larger Pie: Rethinking Growth to Reshape the Future (Volume 1)

As the U. S. struggles to end its Great Recession (and discover the "new normal"), our belief in economic growth has solidified into a civic religion. Everyone, liberal and conservative, says growth is essential for recovery – and to achieve the American Dream and "way of life.” Brushed aside is awareness of what "economic growth" really means; the role it has (and has not) played in our history; and the concerns of people like Robert F. Kennedy, who warned in 1968 that Americans had long ago "surrendered personal excellence and community values to the mere accumulation of material things." Going far beyond history and economic lessons, A Larger Pie attempts to explain – and change – the way we think about wealth. Authors Joel L. Swerdlow and Mayu Takeda help readers escape from what poet William Blake called "mind forg'd manacles." To read this book is to see something obvious, which few people have yet seen. A Larger Pie is not a traditional book. All ideas and facts – as well as analysis – are the products of extensive research. But they lead, not to judgments or pronouncements, but to a dialogue in which readers themselves can participate. Via Largerpie.org and electronic publishing, select comments, questions and ideas from readers instantly become part of the book – thus pushing the discussion forward. Ready to have some fun and do some work? We hope so, because the best (and perhaps only) way to discover and devise answers to questions that will redefine us is to work together. It's easy to jump in.