The Economics of Happiness
The opening scenes reflect a picturesque mountain society: women and children with round red-apple cheeks, integrated communities, and a deeply spiritual and happy way of living in Ladakh in the Himalayas – where the producer Helena Norberg-Hodge has spent much of her time. With the increase of ‘civilization’, and the spread of the disease of consumerism, the viewer sees how this simple, happy and sustainable way of living is destroyed.
Economic globalisation has lead to massive expansion in the scale and power of big business and banking.
“It has worsened nearly every problem we face: fundamentalism and ethnic conflict, climate chaos and species extinction, financial instability and unemployment. The film shows how globalisation breeds cultural self-rejection, competition and divisiveness; how it structurally promotes the growth of slums and urban sprawl; and how it results in increased disconnection from nature. There are personal costs too: for the majority of people on the planet, life is becoming increasingly stressful, with mounting work pressures and less time for family and friends, and depression is on the increase,” explains Leela Verity of Sat Chit Anand Interfaith Spiritual Retreat Centre in Plettenberg Bay.
In her opinion it is clear – replace with … It seems that the world is moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalisation and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance-and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future.
“Communities are coming together to re-build more human, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localisation. We hear from a chorus of voices from six continents telling us that climate change and peak oil prices give us little choice: we need to localise, to bring the economy home.
“The good news is that as we move in this direction we will begin not only to heal the earth but also to restore our own sense of well-being,” says Verity.
The Economics of Happiness is a delightful and inspiring challenge to avert the present crisis on earth (economic, environmental, and personal) and restore a more human world.
It is informative and inspirational. It provides insight, hope, reassurance and motivation to join in the growing localisation movement. Bringing the economy closer to home can not only save humanity from environmental and economic catastrophe, it can help all to re-discover those essential relationships – both with the living world and with one another.
“That ultimately give our lives meaning and joy. I highly recommend it as it is sure to change the way you think and and live.”
The Economics of Happiness was produced by Helena Norberg-Hodge in 2011. It has been shown around in the world and been featured in more than twenty film festivals. It won Best in Show at the Cinema Verde Environmental Film and Arts Festival in Florida and Best Director Award at the EkoFilm Festival in the Czech Republic.
Please visit the film’s website for enriching information: www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org.
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald