There are positive aspects to capitalism, just as there are positive aspects to it's polar opposite; communism.

But both extreme capitalism and extreme communism have little to offer us. Just like in our own lives we will be happy if we are both strong and gentle but messed up if we are either aggressive or weak. The middle way is the one for us.

A new paradigm is emerging that recognizes paradox and polarity: for example the polarity of cooperation/competition or self-interest/benevolence. While this new paradigm is yet to seriously find it's political legs, it is beginning to dominate our thinking. We have the rise of feminism, environmentalism, increasing democracy, human rights movements etc, etc.

With the melting of the negative polarity between capitalism and communism, both capitalism and communism are hopefully near the end of their road. What we need is to find a new way.

Peter Tapsell:

Man; "light" thoughts for this "Blog".

Great "Stuff", and "Stuff" the "deep and meaningful"!

Thank you, Pericles: a beacon of common sense as usual.

If the author had advocated that we all stay home for a year and avoid going to plays, buying new books or hiring DVDs, I can imagine the outrage he would have provoked. But attacking other kinds of shopping is OK, apparently. Most of those 'brainwashed consumers' have earned their money legitimately and worked hard for it. It's nobody's business but theirs what they do with it.

The argument is good, useful stuff vs unnecessary frivolous stuff. The latter causing much of the problems which confront us daily, be it production pollution or financial dilemma.
It doesn't really help our economy all that much because as soon as income rises the prices follow. It's a perpetual catching up game in which no-one ever wins but everyone loses.

Excellent article, very entertaining and I totally agree with the sentiment. But unfortunately it's the way of the world.

'Stuff' makes the world go around (by generating money circulation).

Besides, I enjoy getting new stuff... It's exciting