Published
May 19, 2021Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1529217988Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 19, 2021Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1529217971Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 19, 2021Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1529217995Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 19, 2021Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1529217995Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University Press
Sustainable Hedonism
Watch the author’s introduction to the book here.
Listen to the author’s Economics for Rebels podcast for the European Society for Ecological Economics.
In the media
On our blog: After COVID-19: A time for conscious hedonism?
'A Call for Conscious, Sustainable Hedonism' in LSE Review of Books
'Happiness Matters, Even in a Steady State Economy! Part 1: Sustainable Hedonism' in Steady State Herald
'Happiness Matters, Even in a Steady State Economy! Part 2: Flourishing Life' in Steady State Herald
'Sustainable Hedonism: Paradox or Pathway?' in degrowth
'Sustainable Hedonism: Not an oxymoron' in the Behavioural Public Policy Blog of Cambridge University Press
How can we create a thriving life for us all that doesn’t come at the price of ecological destruction?
This book calls to explore our collective and personal convictions about success and good life. It challenges the mainstream worldview, rooted in economics, that equates happiness with pleasure, and encourages greed, materialism, egoism and disconnection.
Drawing on science and ancient Greek philosophers the author details how we can cultivate our skills for enjoying life without harming ourselves or others, and can live an autonomous, creative and connected life. Complementary to our intellectual understanding, the experiential method of role play and theatre can powerfully facilitate the exploration of the inner drivers and hindrances of a thriving life.
Orsolya Lelkes is an independent scholar and psychological counsellor, former Deputy Director at the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna and former Head of Economic Research at Hungarian Ministry of Finance. Her website can be found at https://lelkes.at/en/orsolya-lelkes/
Introduction: Is There Anyone Who Does Not Want to Thrive?
PART I: The Challenge
1 Unintended Consequences of Economics as a Science
2 The Narrative of Success in Capitalism, and Its Failures
PART II: What Is a Good Life?
3 Pleasure, Joy, Satisfaction, Purpose: Refining Our Quest for Happiness
4 Sustainable Hedonism
5 A Flourishing Life: Living Well and Doing Well
6 Values in an Era of Free Choice
PART III: How Do We Get There?
7 The Laboratory of the Flourishing Life: Serious Change Can Be Playful
8 Inner Agents and Saboteurs of the Good Life: Role Theory
Conclusions: Flourishing Life in the World
