大象传媒

Opinion | Economy

Reject Ego-nomics, Embrace Eco-nomics

Finding our way to a viable human future will require the guidance of a true eco-nomics, grounded in biology and ecology rather than finance and capital.

David Korten    |   Jun 11, 2024

Opinion | Economy

We the People Are All in This Together

Changing course to transform into an ecological civilization will take international cooperation. But the U.S and China are setting a poor example.

David Korten    |   Oct 7, 2022

Opinion | Economy

Taking Action on Climate Change Requires Coming Together

Climate action, racial justice, and economic reform ultimately all have the same end goal. Our movements should unite behind it.

David Korten    |   Aug 11, 2022

Opinion | Economy

2022鈥檚 Imperative: Letting Go of Our Past to Birth Our Future

Building an ecological civilization is the only way forward to saving both the planet and humanity. And time is running out.

David Korten    |   Jan 18, 2022

Opinion | Economy

How 9/11 Set Progressive Causes Back鈥攁nd How We Rebounded

The Bush administration used the attacks to label dissent and protests against international trade agreements as terrorism. Now movements have recovered their lost momentum.

David Korten    |   Oct 5, 2021

Opinion | Economy

When Less Is More

If we鈥檙e going to survive as a species and heal the Earth, we鈥檒l need to drastically cut back on our consumption.

David Korten    |   Aug 12, 2021

Opinion | Economy

What Will It Take to 鈥淏uild Back Better鈥�?

We鈥檙e in a time of global and national crises. President Biden must rise to the task.

David Korten    |   Jan 21, 2021

Opinion | Democracy

From Fear and Anger to Collective Purpose

There鈥檚 a way forward after the election, and it must involve having open and honest conversations about our hopes and fears.

David Korten    |   Nov 11, 2020

Opinion | Democracy

America Is Not a Democracy, But We Must Become One

The founders of this nation did many things, but establishing democracy was not one of them. That鈥檚 our job.

David Korten    |   Oct 23, 2020

Opinion | Environment

Earth Is Warning Us We Must Change. Will We Listen?

The COVID-19 outbreak is the planet鈥檚 way of telling us to do better, both in the environment and in the economy.

David Korten    |   Jul 30, 2020

Opinion | Economy

From Emergency to Emergence

The coronavirus outbreak is presenting us an opportunity to rethink our economic system鈥攁nd remake it in an image we鈥檇 prefer.

David Korten    |   Apr 23, 2020

Opinion | Economy

Why the Coronavirus Is Humanity鈥檚 Wake-Up Call

The pandemic is exposing the deep systemic problems in our society鈥攁nd it removes any excuse for not addressing them.

David Korten    |   Mar 18, 2020

Opinion | Economy

A Better World Needs Better Economics

Our current economic paradigm is leading us to a world that nobody wants. To change that, we will have to invent an economics suited to the 21st century.

David Korten    |   Mar 12, 2020

Opinion | Economy

The Time for Postponing Climate Action Is Over

We are entering humanity鈥檚 defining decade, and 2020 is when we have to make the hard decisions.

David Korten    |   Jan 21, 2020

Opinion | Economy

鈥淣o Winners on a Dead Earth鈥�: Why We Need a Climate Leader in 2020

The climate crisis is our common cause, and we鈥檒l need to elect a president that is willing to take it on.

David Korten    |   Oct 2, 2019

Opinion | Economy

You Can鈥檛 Put Capitalism Over Sustainability鈥攁nd Other Lessons From China

Humanity鈥檚 existential crisis can be resolved only when we the people stand united behind a vision of the world we truly want.

David Korten    |   Aug 20, 2019

Opinion | Economy

8 Essential Steps to Radically Transform Our Economy

An economic system that serves everyone and the planet is necessary for our survival. Here are some guiding principles to get us there.

David Korten    |   Jul 3, 2019

Opinion | Economy

Real Wealth Resides Under Our Feet

Soil, not money, is the source of wealth, and our economic system needs to reflect that.

David Korten    |   Apr 23, 2019

Issues

How Will Future Generations Remember Our Time?

As the time when climate chaos, peak oil, and an unstable global economy unraveled society, or as the time of a Great Turning?

David Korten    |   Apr 18, 2019

Opinion | Economy

The Green New Deal鈥檚 Opponents Are Stuck in the Past

Socialist baiting of the last century won鈥檛 work against the new generation of political leaders.

David Korten    |   Feb 27, 2019

Opinion | Democracy

Capitalism vs. Socialism Is a False Choice

We need true democracy if we鈥檙e to halt the slide into self-extinction.

David Korten    |   Feb 7, 2019

Opinion | Democracy

Confronting the Great American Myth

The founders of the United States have the society they wanted鈥攐ne that keeps people like them in power.

David Korten    |   Feb 1, 2019

Opinion | Environment

From Me to We. My New Year鈥檚 Resolution

In 2019, we must move beyond the myth of the lone individual to recognize our deep interdependence and responsibilities for one another and nature.

David Korten    |   Jan 1, 2019

Opinion | Economy

Why I Have Hope in the Face of Human Extinction

Around the world, people are realizing the current path will lead only to disaster, and they鈥檙e beginning to ask the hard questions about what to do next.

David Korten    |   Nov 1, 2018

Economy

How the Economy Affects Our Mental Health

We evolved to be connected to nature and to one another, but our exploitative global economy is severing those relations.

David Korten    |   Sep 18, 2018

Democracy

Who Represents Us When Our Political Parties Represent Only Corporations?

Our future depends on bridging the partisan divide that elevates corporate interests above our personal well-being.

David Korten    |   Jul 23, 2018

Health & Happiness

Three Questions to Lead Us Away From Self-Extinction

Transformation begins with clarity on the nature of the choice that confronts our species.

David Korten    |   Jul 3, 2018

Opinion | Economy

Dear Jeff Bezos, Let鈥檚 Talk About Your Money and How It Can Actually Benefit the Planet

An invitation to the wealthiest man in the world to consider putting Earth ahead of space.

David Korten    |   May 11, 2018

Here We Go Again: Why the Trans-Pacific Partnership Won鈥檛 Fix Anything

Current trade agreements are great at creating more billionaires, not so much at protecting the interests of workers.

David Korten    |   Apr 13, 2018

大象传媒

Taking MLK鈥檚 Message Global

The civil rights icon saw economic issues to be intertwined with racial justice. Today鈥檚 globalized economy makes justice that much harder to achieve.

David Korten    |   Apr 6, 2018

Economy

Tariffs Aren鈥檛 a Terrible Idea鈥擨f They鈥檙e About Well-Being of People, Not Corporations

Tariffs on imports could be part of reorienting the global economy. Now is a good time to talk about it.

David Korten    |   Mar 19, 2018

大象传媒

Why There Is (Some) Hope for Wall Street

Some CEOs are getting the message that even though the economy is growing, they need to serve their communities, too.

David Korten    |   Feb 20, 2018

大象传媒

When Economic Growth Indicates Failure

For the well-being of most everyone鈥攊ncluding the rich鈥攅quality is more important than growth.

David Korten    |   Jan 19, 2018

Economy

What Bitcoin and Amazon Are Doing to the Middle Class

Roughly 20 percent of U.S. workers are in a high-paying finance, technology, and electronics sectors. The other 80 percent face a daily struggle to survive.

David Korten    |   Dec 29, 2017

Issues

How to Restore Our Relationship to Earth

We must reduce our burden on Earth鈥檚 regenerative systems by approximately 40 percent.

David Korten    |   Dec 21, 2017

大象传媒

Despite Setbacks, the Democracy Movement Is Gaining Power

A new book outlines how the superrich have worked to undermine our country, and what we can do to fight back.

David Korten    |   Oct 11, 2017

大象传媒

Trump鈥檚 Proposed Tax Cuts Would Further Widen the Gap Between Rich and Poor

The Trump/Republican tax cut proposal is an opportunity to discuss how to redistribute wealth and power.

David Korten    |   Oct 4, 2017

大象传媒

For the Love of Earth

Perhaps the most compelling reason to change our ways is that Earth needs our help. In our responsibility to respond, might we unite in common cause?

David Korten    |   Aug 23, 2017

大象传媒

A New Zealand River Has Human Rights. Now Will Modern Law Come to Its Senses?

Our system of law has the rights issue exactly backward. But humanity is slowly reawakening to the simple logic that Mother Earth鈥檚 rights must come before human rights.

David Korten    |   Jul 7, 2017

大象传媒

We Will Soon Be Using More Than The Earth Can Provide

Forget the GDP, it鈥檚 time for our leaders to pay attention to metrics that matter.

David Korten    |   Jun 14, 2017

Mayor鈥檚 Unflinching Honesty About Confederate Monuments Gives Me Hope

In explaining why his city got rid of monuments to Confederate generals, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu eloquently summarizes our country鈥檚 history of diversity.

David Korten    |   May 26, 2017

Economy

Yes, We Can Choose Good Globalization

The integration of knowledge, science, hospitality, and travel can have huge benefits for human connections and peace.

David Korten    |   May 17, 2017

Economy

Why a Just and Sustainable Economy Looks Like a Doughnut

This is the real-world economy for a living Earth that we must learn to structure and manage to provide a safe space for humanity.

David Korten    |   May 3, 2017

Economy

Let鈥檚 Help Trump Keep His Promises

Has Trump served us all in breaking things open? Only if we use the moment for serious rethinking of policy.

David Korten    |   Apr 19, 2017

Economy

No Rural-Urban Divide Here: We All Want Good Jobs and Strong Local Economies

Local control is a foundational conservative principle鈥攂ut progressives also embrace it.

David Korten    |   Apr 5, 2017

Opinion | Economy

The Superrich Have Profited From a Broken System鈥擜nd Their Money Alone Won鈥檛 Fix It

Giving back requires humility. It will be a true test of learning new skills.

David Korten    |   Mar 22, 2017

大象传媒

The Refugee Crisis Is a Sign of a Planet in Trouble

We must shift the structures of society to ensure the Earth remains healthy and everyone has access to a decent livelihood.

David Korten    |   Mar 8, 2017

Economy

For Automation to Benefit Society, It Must Serve Humans, Not Replace Them

We face the prospect of an economy with little need for humans. Advances in artificial intelligence call us to revisit basic questions about work, love, and human purpose.

David Korten    |   Feb 22, 2017

Democracy

Trump鈥檚 Coup Attempt Requires Us to Rise Above Position and Party

In the chaos of Trump鈥檚 first three weeks in office, we can see a frighteningly coherent agenda鈥攁nd a national and global emergency.

David Korten    |   Feb 8, 2017

Democracy

Take Notice, Trump: We Are Not Protestors鈥擶e Are Protectors

When we call ourselves protectors, we cast our role as fulfilling our responsibility to the community that sustains us鈥攏ot for our personal benefit, but for the benefit of all.

David Korten    |   Jan 25, 2017

Democracy

Something Better to Offer Trump Voters Tired of Waiting for Their Turn

A world free of extremes of wealth and poverty in which no one needs to stand in line for a chance at a secure and fulfilling life.

David Korten    |   Jan 11, 2017

Economy

How Trump鈥檚 Extremism May Help Us Expose One of History鈥檚 Greatest Political Deceptions

The Great Growth Con promises that economic growth鈥攎easured by gross domestic product鈥攚ill benefit everyone, rich and poor alike.聽

David Korten    |   Dec 28, 2016

Democracy

Trump Played to Anger, but We Don鈥檛 Have to Fall for Divide and Conquer

We鈥檝e been pitted against each other for too long. Now is the time to come together to fix our corrupt political systems.

David Korten    |   Dec 14, 2016

In Stripping Away Our Hope, Maybe Trump Has Done Us a Favor

The outcome of this election is a wake-up call to action. Now that we know our elected leaders will not save us, let鈥檚 get to work.

David Korten    |   Nov 30, 2016

Economy

How Trump Could Hand China the Lead in Challenging Corporate Greed

China and the U.S. are poised as the dominant players. Will they compete or cooperate?

David Korten    |   Nov 16, 2016

Economy

Make Corporations Serve the Public Interest

The purely private-purpose corporation is an illegitimate entity. This is the elephant in the room that no politician dare mention.

David Korten    |   Nov 2, 2016

Democracy

We Never Voted for Corporate Rule

The $66 billion sale of Monsanto is yet another reminder of how corporations have colonized the world and subverted democracy. To regain our future, we must claim our right to popular sovereignty.

David Korten    |   Oct 19, 2016

Economy

The Elephant in the Room: What Trump, Clinton, and Even Stein Are Missing

What is the most important鈥攜et neglected鈥攊ssue in the political debate? Hint: It isn鈥檛 the ideal body weight of Miss Universe. Part 1.

David Korten    |   Oct 5, 2016

Economy

Want National Security? Dismantle the War Machine

A military response to violence creates more violence. For real security, we need to stop climate change and work toward shared prosperity.

David Korten    |   Sep 21, 2016

Environment

Can Zoos Teach Us To Be Better Humans?

If we can recognize our destruction of other animals鈥� habitats, perhaps we can recognize our destruction of all the living systems on which we depend.

David Korten    |   Sep 7, 2016

Economy

Maybe the Gig Economy Doesn鈥檛 Have to Mean Oppressed Workers

Has gig work helped you build community or left you isolated and vulnerable?

David Korten    |   Aug 24, 2016

Democracy

How to Break the Power of Money

We can refuse to accept the pervasive, but false, claims that money is wealth and a growing GDP improves the lives of all.

David Korten    |   Aug 10, 2016

Democracy

This Presidential Race Is a Clear Choice: Fight, Flight, or Fellowship

Will we respond to Trump鈥檚 appeal to the reptilian brain or choose Clinton鈥檚 call to our higher nature?

David Korten    |   Jul 27, 2016

Democracy

鈥淔ree鈥� Trade? Fraud Alert

The deceptive branding behind corporatists鈥� preference for the term 鈥渇ree trade鈥� over simply 鈥渢rade.鈥�

David Korten    |   Jul 13, 2016

Democracy

One Hopeful Thing About the Brexit Electoral Rebellion

Maybe now we can renegotiate the corporate boundaries and interests that overtook those of communities.

David Korten    |   Jun 29, 2016

Democracy

I鈥檓 Sticking With Sanders鈥擜nd Voting for Clinton

Bernie Sanders has the best policies. But Hillary Clinton has the chops to advance a progressive agenda鈥攊f we make her.

David Korten    |   Jun 15, 2016

Democracy

What If Trade Agreements Helped People, Not Corporations?

Current trade agreements have been of, by, and for transnational corporations. Growing opposition gives us the opportunity to change that in our next-generation agreements.

David Korten    |   Jun 1, 2016

Democracy

With More Americans Going Far Left (And Right), an Anti-Corporate Agenda Takes Shape

Voters hit hardest by free-trade economics are rebelling against the status quo. We can use that energy to build a powerful, grassroots movement for democracy.

David Korten    |   May 18, 2016

Economy

Why the Economy Should Stop Growing鈥擜nd Just Grow Up

鈥淗ow do we grow the economy?鈥� is an obsolete question. Local initiatives across the world are looking for maturity instead as they rebuild caring, place-based communities and economies.

David Korten    |   May 4, 2016

Economy

This Earth Day, Listen Up: Mother Earth Is Calling Us Back

Those of us who succumbed to the false promises of Western consumerism at great cost to the planet and to ourselves are Earth鈥檚 prodigal children now returning home.

David Korten    |   Apr 20, 2016

Economy

We Can Have a Living Earth Economy鈥擝ut It Won鈥檛 Be Easy

Humanity has been acting like a willful child, demanding everything and leaving messes everywhere. It is time for our species to take the step to maturity, to acknowledge that care and cooperation are key to happiness鈥攁nd even survival.

David Korten    |   Apr 19, 2016

Democracy

Capitalism or Socialism? There鈥檚 an Even Better Option

Bernie Sanders鈥� popular campaign suggests that many Americans aren't afraid of socialism anymore. But real democracy is an even better alternative to capitalism.

David Korten    |   Apr 6, 2016

Democracy

The Thing Sanders, Trump, and Clinton Agree On. It鈥檚 That Bad

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is slated for an up-or-down vote in Congress. Proponents say it鈥檚 about free trade. But it looks more like corporate colonization.

David Korten    |   Mar 23, 2016

Democracy

Obama鈥檚 Push for Corporate Rule: A Moment of Opportunity

Call it populism versus corporatism or democracy versus corporate rule. Either way, it is a far more meaningful political division than two political parties debating big government versus small.

David Korten    |   Jun 26, 2015

Democracy

A Trade Rule that Makes It Illegal to Favor Local Business? Newest Leak Shows TPP Would Do That And More

The leaked text is full of dense legal jargon. But a close reading makes its corporate agenda crystal clear.

David Korten    |   Apr 16, 2015

Economy

Do Corporations Really Need More Rights? Why Fast Track for the TPP Is a Bad Idea

We can have democracy and a prosperous, just, and sustainable human future. Or we can have corporate rule. We cannot have both.

David Korten    |   Mar 9, 2015

Environment

A New Story for a New Economy

David Korten's new essay (available to read as a PDF) connects the work of finding a new sacred story with the effort to build a new economy.

David Korten    |   Mar 20, 2014

大象传媒

Mandela's Spirit of Forgiveness

Those in Mandela's circle were united in their compassion for the architects of the Apartheid system.

David Korten    |   Dec 7, 2013

Economy

We Know Who Stole the Economy鈥擭ational People鈥檚 Action Moves to Take It Back

"Listen to and work with your base to create a shared, big-picture narrative."

David Korten    |   Dec 4, 2013

Economy

It鈥檚 a 鈥淪tory Problem鈥�: What鈥檚 Behind Our Messed-Up Economy

The peoples of earlier times prospered from the guidance of simple stories that offered answers to their deepest questions. We need those now more than ever.

David Korten    |   Jul 19, 2013

The Personal Story Behind the Essay, 鈥淩eligion, Science, and Spirit: A Sacred Story for Our Time鈥�

Twenty years ago, David Korten began wrestling with the question, had we become too individualistic and shortsighted to save our species? Here's what he discovered about the power of foundational stories to keep us trapped in a suicidal economy鈥攐r awaken us to our spiritual nature.

David Korten    |   Jan 18, 2013

Religion, Science, and Spirit: A Sacred Story for Our Time

Is it possible that the human future depends upon a new sacred story鈥攁 story that gives us a reason to care? Could it be a story already embraced by a majority, although it has neither institutional support nor a place in the public conversation?

David Korten    |   Jan 18, 2013

Issues

What Would Nature Do? Not Wall Street

Models for a healthy down-to-earth economy are all around us.

David Korten    |   Jan 18, 2013

Religion, Science, and Spirit: A Sacred Story of Our Time

Is it possible that the human future depends upon a new sacred story鈥攁 story that gives us a reason to care? Could it be a story already embraced by a majority, although it has neither institutional support nor a place in the public conversation? David Korten suggests that this may be the case and invites you to join an already active conversation.

David Korten    |   Jan 4, 2013

Issues

Why This Crisis May Be Our Best Chance to Build a New Economy

Wall Street is bankrupt. Instead of trying to save it, we can build a new economy that puts money and business in the service of people and the planet鈥攏ot the other way around.

David Korten    |   Jun 20, 2009

Issues

Living Wealth: Better Than Money

If there is to be a human future, we must bring ourselves into balanced relationship with one another and the Earth. This requires building economies with heart.

David Korten    |   Jul 30, 2007

Issues

Portrait of a Perfect Economic Storm

Graphics showing climate change, financial meltdown and peak oil

David Korten    |   May 9, 2006

Issues

Economies For Life

While the ruling elites occupy themselves with seeking to restore faith in the pathological institutions on which their power and privilege were built, the rest of us can embrace this moment of economic failure as an historic opportunity. Through our individual and collective choices, we can grow into being the economic institutions, relationships, and culture of a just, sustainable, and compassionate world of living economies that work for all.

David Korten    |   Oct 1, 2002

Issues

What To Do When Corporations Rule the World

An interview with David Korten by Sarah Ruth van Gelder

David Korten    |   Jul 1, 2001