Doughnut Economics

I would like to share some thoughts on the future of economics, business and enterprises. A few days ago I attended the Doughnut Economic Circus. It was fantastic and I enjoyed every moment of it. There is still a lot to metabolize and this post is my first try.

But first a disclaimer: If you haven’t heard about Doughnut Economics the following content is missing context. So read about the Doughnut first and come back here once you understand the concept.

Introduction

At this point I assume that you know about the Doughnut and also formed an opinion on it. You might think that it is an nice idea, needs some polishing or believe that it can never replace a capitalistic economy. Now we could engage in a conversation and I would try to persuade you that the Doughnut is not only the future, but our only option. You could be persuaded or not and we would still be far off from actually committing to something or taking action.

So far

Having opinions, beliefs and ideas on economic models is appealing to many people. Many think that the rules of economics is something that is to be discovered and made sense of. Only few thing that the rules can be shaped, transformed and bend to our believes.

New

The story of the Doughnut shows a very different perspective. Instead of talking about the grand scheme of economics it asks for introspection. Why do we think that the rules are written in stone? Once you go down this path you understand we the people make up the rules of our economy. There is no higher entity or realm that defines how a business is run.

Making a point

Building a Doughnut Economy is about changing the understanding of our self.

• Are we merely consumers that can influence what is produced by making pseudo decisions?
• Or is the whole point of being human to pass on our DNA and that we have no ulterior motive?
• Or are we humans that are driven by curiosity and made progress through social collaboration?

Neither of these questions deserve an answer. They merely have to be asked. Once asked many options unfold.

**Actually

The Doughnut is not some wishful thinking or an utopia by some cultist believers. No, in fact the Doughnut is already working. Instead of questioning how it can work for you must engage with it!

**Unlearn

The first step is to unlearn. In order to understand the Doughnut and the problems it solves you need to unlearn. Unlearning is hard. The definition of a regenerative and distributive economy contradicts the definition of traditional economic models. They cannot co-exist.

Cooperate

The easiest form of participation in a regenerative and distributive economy is creating or joining a co-operative. Finding other who share the same ideas

It only takes one chance meeting. For example I had the pleasure to talk with Samuel Plumppu, a member of the Greenheart co-op. Not only is he proficient in how “traditional” enterprises work, he also has a lot of experience for building co-ops.

TL;DR

Economic rules are not written in stone. They can be changed - by us. It requires a better understanding of our self and our species. As an individual you have to unlearn traditional economic models and learn about regenerative and distributive economic models. As a group the best way to participate is to establish co-operatives.