Yes, but only if it is led by different set of values
In his State of the Union speech on Tuesday 21 January 2015, President Obama spoke eloqoently about the need for more equality and thus suggesting the pursuit of what he termed as Middle- class economics.
“Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes and chances for everyone who makes the effort?" Mr. Obama asked.
"So the verdict is clear. Middle-class economics works. Expanding opportunity works. And these policies will continue to work, as long as politics don't get in the way" the President noted.
Good on you Mr. President. But…
If you are really interested in a sharing economy, an economy that works for everybody and is in the interest of the common good, then, a different set of values are needed. Values that are different to the current dominant neo-liberalism that has brought us all (except the 1%) a very bitter harvest.
Middle Class Economics will succeed, when others have failed, if it seriously engages with the middle class in values that are not necessaraly economics.
Economic policies of the last few decades, guided by the values of neoliberals- the so-called market fundamentalists- has always been on economic liberalisation, de-regulation, marketisation, privatisation, competition, free trade, shareholder values, bonuses, lower taxes and more. All concerning economic activities and nothing more.
In short, the free-market right promised if their agenda is adopted and followed, then wealth will trickledown and would make us all better off. But we now know better: when the rich get richer, the poor stay poor and get poorer.
Thus, if the aim is serious to build an economy for the greater good, then, a different path is required - a path with different values which are not exclusively economic and monetary.
Allow me to offer such a path:
If we want to realise any goals, including building a middle class economics, we must begin, first and foremost, by focusing on some fundamental and enduring questions of human meaning and value. Questions such as:
1. What does it mean to be human?
2. What does it mean to live a life of meaning and purpose?
3. What does it mean to understand and appreciate the natural world?
4. What does it mean to forge a more just society for the common good?
By their very nature, these questions lend themselves to thought and discussion around ethics, morals, spirituality and values.
Thus, we must, once again, begin to appreciate the significance of the value of values in all we do, as without life-affirming values, no strong and lasting foundations can be built.
“Values represent our guiding principles: our broadest motivations, influencing the attitudes we hold and how we act.”
‘Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value.’ - Albert Einstein
As it has been observed throughout history, in action and thought, people are affected by a wide range of influences. Past experience, cultural and social norms are some of the most important ones. Connected to all of these, to some extent, are our values, which represent a strong guiding force, shaping our attitudes and behaviour over the course of our lives. Our values have been shown to influence our political persuasions; our willingness to participate in political action; our career choices; our ecological footprints; how much money we spend, and on what; and our feelings of personal wellbeing, contentment and happiness; as well as our relationship with others, with nature and Mother Earth, to mention but a few.
To focus our minds, assisting us to reflect more carefully on problems and enabling us to suggest possible solutions, I very much wish to offer the values of the GCGI which we hold very dearly for consideration and reflection.
I firmly believe that if these or similar values are adopted and then seriously adhered to afterwards, the aim of building a more just and equitable society and more will be achieved.
We value caring and kindness
We value passion and positive energy
We value service and volunteerism
We value simplicity and humility
We value trust, openness, and transparency
We value values-led education
We value harmony with nature
We value non-violent conflict resolution
We value interfaith, inter-civilisational and inter-generational dialogue
We value teamwork and collaboration
We value challenge and excellence
We value fun and play
We value curiosity and innovation
We value health and wellbeing
We value a sense of adventure
We value people, communities and cultures
We value friendship, cooperation and responsibility
The future is full of risk and perils for our planet and all peoples. If we are to survive we must surely build cultures of trust for the common good, and we must walk together to face the future. The journey, for sure, will be much more secure and fruitful if we begin to operate under a system that is led by values in the interest of the greater good.
I hope President Obama’s goal of a more equitable and just economics will be realised. I, for one, will be very happy to say: yes, we can; yes, we can. But still better to be able to say, indeed, yes, we did.