The Myth of Progress or Microeconomics for Today

The Myth of Progress

Author: Tom Wessels

In this compelling and cogently argued book, Tom Wessels demonstrates how our current path toward progress, based on continual economic expansion and inefficient use of resources, runs absolutely contrary to three foundational scientific laws that govern all complex natural systems. It is a myth, he contends, that progress depends on a growing economy.

Wessels explains his theory with his three Laws of Sustainability: (1) the law of limits to growth, (2) the second law of thermodynamics, which exposes the dangers of increased energy consumption, and (3) the law of self-organization, which results in the marvelous diversity of such highly evolved systems as the human body and complex ecosystems. These laws, scientifically proven to sustain life in its myriad forms, have been cast aside since the eighteenth century, first by western economists, political pragmatists, and governments attracted by the idea of unlimited growth, and more recently by a global economy dominated by large corporations, in which consolidation and oversimplification create large-scale inefficiencies in material and energy usage.

Wessels makes scientific theory readily accessible by offering examples of how the Laws of Sustainability function in the complex systems we can observe in the natural world around us. He shows how systems such as forests can be templates for developing sustainable economic practices that will allow true progress. Demonstrating that all environmental problems have their source in the Myth of Progress's disregard for the Laws of Sustainability, he concludes with an impassioned argument for cultural change.

Book about: Ancient Herbs Modern Medicine or The Fasting Diet

Microeconomics for Today

Author: Irvin B Tucker

Straightforward and student-friendly, Tucker, MICROECONOMICS FOR TODAY, 6e is the most pedagogically-rich and engaging principles text on the market. Ideal for students of varying levels of skills and preparation, MACROECONOMICS FOR TODAY presents learners with the basics of economic principles and the context to apply them to their everyday lives. The sixth edition continues Tucker's tradition of using a unique textual and visual learning system to concisely present and reinforce core concepts, then assess student comprehension.