The "vigorous growing
economy" all our leaders keep exhorting us to produce is
not possible on an earth of fixed size, and continuing attempts
to produce it are the basic threat to peace.
The momentum of this
phrase is so great that it will take a major effort to offset
it and prove we can live without it. The UN is already showing
concern about the question, Can the economy withstand peace?
The concomitant question is, Can limited resources withstand
a constantly expanding expenditure? The answer to the first question
is and must be yes, and to the second question, no. Both answers
are painfully obvious but universally avoided. There is no better
cause than to face them squarely and learn to live with them.
David
R. Brower
