AFFLUENZA - Hardcover

DE GRAAF

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1576751511 ISBN 13: 9781576751510

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education / Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2001

Synopsis

"Affluenza" is about the personal, social, economic and environmental costs of over-consumption - and what we can do to beat the "all-consuming bug" that's infecting the planet. The book presents symptoms (such as stress of excess, family convulsions, dilated pupils, resource exhaustion); historical and cultural origins; and proven cures. Here, in one source, is an accessible, humorous overview of a subject that is usually difficult to tie together. Looking at it as a single disease helps us connect the dots. The book is both accessible and academically rigorous and is directly linked with a popular TV series seen by 10 million people. It presents alternatives to the "American Dream" via five years of research and fascinating facts and data. There are short, interesting interviews with the best thinkers on this subject together with dozens of ideas and examples for improving our lives. The reader should be left with a feeling that we can "beat the bug".

About this title

Review:

Affluenza is an eye-opening, soul-prodding look at the wretched excess of today's American society. John De Graaf, David Wann and Thomas Naylor define it as something akin to "a painful, contagious, socially-transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more". Having begun life as two US TV programmes co-produced by De Graaf, this book takes a hard look at the symptoms of affluenza, the history of its development into an epidemic, and the options for treatment. In making its readers aware of this pervasive disease in an age when "the urge to splurge continues to surge", the first section is the book's most provocative. According to figures the authors quote and expound upon, Americans each spend more than $21,000 per year on consumer goods, average rates of saving have fallen from about 10 per cent of income in 1980 to zero in 2000, credit card indebtedness tripled in the 1990s and more people file for bankruptcy each year than graduate from college. "To live, we buy," explain the authors. They present many of the historical, political and socio-economic reasons that affluenza has taken such strong root in American society and, in the final section, offer practical ideas for change. These use the intriguing stories of those who have already opted for simpler living and are creatively combating the disease, through simple habit alterations to more in-depth environmental considerations and from living lightly to managing wealth responsibly.

Many books make you think the author has crammed everything they know into a one-hit wonder attempt at knowledge transfer. The feeling you get reading Affluenza is quite different; the authors appear well-read, well-rounded and intelligent, knowledgable beyond the content of their book but smart enough to realise that we need a short, sharp jolt to recognise our current ailment. It's obviously a cliché that money can't buy happiness, but this book will strike a resounding chord with anyone who realises that time is more valuable than toys. Affluenza is a clarion call for those interested in being part of the healing solution. --S Ketchum

Review:

"The way to end a nightmare is to wake up, and Affluenza is an alarm clock. We have created a world that dishonors all that is honorable, good, and meaningful. There is another possibility." - Paul Hawken,, author of Ecology of Commerce and Natural Capitalism; "Using humor, facts and compelling stories, Affluenza exposes the disease of over-consuming that threatens our health, families, budgets, friendships, communities and the environment.... But it doesn't stop there; it offers concret ideas that can contribute to healthier, happier lives and a more livable planet. I was mightily impressed by the film "Affluenza," but the book digs even deeper to illuminate the epidemic that's eating [the planet]. You should read it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you might even change your life - or extend it!" - David R. Brower, Chairman, Earth Island Institute, and Founder, Friends of the Earth

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education / Europe, Middle East & Africa
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1576751511
• ISBN 13: 9781576751510
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 275