Episode 98 – Less is More: Jason Hickel and the Spirituality of Degrowth

This episode presents a radical and urgent challenge to one of the most deeply ingrained assumptions of modern society: the unquestioned pursuit of endless economic growth. Through the lens of anthropologist Jason Hickel's provocative book, "Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World," the discussion reframes the concept of "degrowth" not as a grim austerity measure, but as a profound and necessary spiritual path. Hickel argues that our relentless obsession with ever-increasing GDP is not only destroying our planet but is also fundamentally at odds with genuine human well-being. The episode unpacks this powerful critique, revealing how the logic of perpetual growth is a historical construct, not an iron law of nature, and one that is leading us toward ecological and social breakdown.

The core of the degrowth philosophy, as explored in this episode, is a call for a fundamental shift in our values, moving away from a culture of endless accumulation and towards one of sufficiency, ecological balance, and authentic human flourishing. This is not about returning to a pre-industrial past, but about consciously redesigning our economic systems to prioritize what truly matters: strong communities, meaningful work, and a healthy planet. This perspective resonates deeply with ancient wisdom traditions that have long questioned the spiritual emptiness of materialism. From the Bhagavad Gita's warnings against actions driven solely by the desire for reward to the ego-dismantling insights of spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle, the idea that "more" is not always better is a timeless spiritual truth.

Ultimately, the episode presents degrowth as an essential and inspiring vision for a more just and sustainable future. It challenges us to move beyond the narrow, self-serving cleverness that optimizes for short-term profit and to embrace a deeper, more holistic intelligence that recognizes the profound interconnectedness of all life. By questioning the dominant narrative of growth at all costs, we open ourselves to the possibility of a richer, more fulfilling existence, one where our well-being is measured not by what we consume, but by the quality of our relationships, the health of our communities, and our sacred connection to the living world. It is a powerful reminder that true abundance is found not in having more, but in being more.