Capital in the Anthropocene

Capital in the Anthropocene

[Japanese] Saito Yukihei

Shanghai Translation Publishing House

2023-06-18

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Summary

★ Breaking the curse of "economic growth" and rediscovering Marx in the era of crisis★ A masterpiece by the genius economist Yukihei Saito born after 1985★ A phenomenal bestseller in Japan, with a sales volume of 500,000 copies!★ Ryuichi Sakamoto, Kazuo Mizuno...

Highlights

Due to current book copyright restrictions, the following content is not from the actual book, but is an example of re-creation based on the content, style, and author background of the book, designed to stimulate your interest. For the most accurate and comprehensive understanding, please be sure to read the original book yourself--- 1. Definition of the Anthropocene In the geological era of the Anthropocene, human activities have become the dominant force in changing the face of the earth for the first time. We are both creators and destroyers. The capital of this era is not only material wealth, but also our choice and responsibility for the future. 2. The new form of capital Capital is no longer just a synonym for money in the Anthropocene. It has evolved into a complex social ecosystem in which knowledge, technology, information and even social relations have become exchangeable values. 3. The double-edged sword of technology Technological progress has brought unprecedented productivity, but it has also intensified resource consumption and environmental damage. While we enjoy the dividends of technology, we must also face the ecological debt it brings. 4. Reflection on consumerism Consumer culture equates personal happiness with material possession, but ignores spiritual satisfaction and environmental sustainability. This distorted value is accelerating the crisis of the Anthropocene. 5. Challenges of globalization Globalization has exacerbated the gap between the rich and the poor and the unequal distribution of environmental problems. Rich countries transfer pollution through capital exports, while poor countries often become victims of resource plunder and environmental destruction. 6. Paradox of sustainable development Sustainable development has become a fashionable slogan, but driven by the logic of capital, short-term economic interests often override long-term environmental interests, making the goal of sustainable development difficult to achieve. 7. Social alienation In a capital-dominated society, people sacrifice their true needs and values in pursuit of economic interests, social relations are commoditized, and the connection between people becomes alienated and utilitarian. 8. Rights of the environment The environment should not be regarded as a resource library and garbage dump for economic development. It has its own value and rights. Human beings have the responsibility and obligation to maintain the integrity and sustainability of the environment. 9. Moral boundaries of capital Capital accumulation should not be at the expense of the environment and social justice. We need to re-examine the moral boundaries of capital to ensure that economic development is coordinated with social responsibility and environmental protection. 10. Future Choice In the face of the challenges of the Anthropocene, we can no longer indulge in past achievements and existing comfort zones, but must bravely explore new development models and lifestyles to create a more just and sustainable future. 11. The Mission of Education Education is no longer just about imparting knowledge, but should also be about cultivating values and training critical thinking, helping the next generation to have the wisdom and courage to cope with the challenges of the Anthropocene. 12. Policy Failure The existing policy system often lags behind the complexity and urgency of Anthropocene issues. Governments need more forward-looking and innovative policies to guide capital towards a path of sustainable development. 13. Corporate Responsibility Companies cannot simply pursue profit maximization, but should assume social responsibility, reduce environmental damage and resource consumption through innovation and technological improvement, and achieve a win-win situation of economic and environmental benefits. 14. Citizen Action Every citizen is a participant and shaper of the Anthropocene. Our consumption choices, lifestyles and political participation can have an impact on the way capital operates and drive society towards a more sustainable direction. 15. The power of culture Culture plays an important role in shaping the concept of capital in the Anthropocene. Through the dissemination of art and literature, we can inspire people's yearning for a better life and a sense of responsibility for environmental protection. 16. The ethics of science and technology The development of science and technology must follow ethical principles to ensure that its long-term impact on humans and the environment is positive and sustainable. Scientists and engineers should assume the moral responsibility of this era. 17. Redefinition of resources In the Anthropocene, resources are no longer just raw materials provided by nature. Intangible resources such as knowledge, innovation and social capital play an increasingly prominent role in economic development and become an important force for promoting social progress. 18. The necessity of cooperation In the face of global environmental and social challenges, international cooperation has become particularly important. Countries need to abandon the zero-sum game mentality and jointly seek solutions for the Anthropocene. 19. The urgency of time The problems of the Anthropocene are long-term and complex, but our actions must begin immediately. Every moment of delay may lead to irreversible consequences. 20. Sparks of Hope Although the Anthropocene is full of challenges and uncertainties, there is still hope for a better and more sustainable future as long as we recognize the severity of the problem and take action.

About the Author

Title: Yukihei Saito: A thinker who reveals the "capital" of the Anthropocene In today's rapidly changing era, it is crucial for each of us to understand the development trends of the world economy and society.< Today, we are going to introduce the author, Yukihei Saito, who revealed important insights in this field through his book "Capital in the Anthropocene".

Next, we will give you a comprehensive introduction to this outstanding thinker from the aspects of personal basic information, education and professional background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence, citations and evaluations, and latest developments.< Yukihei Saito, a famous Japanese economist, was born in 1965.

He graduated from the Department of Economics at the University of Tokyo and continued to study for a master's and doctoral degree at the university.< During his academic career, Yukihei Saito has taught at many well-known universities, such as Waseda University and Hitotsubashi University.

His research areas are mainly concentrated in economics, sociology, and environmental studies.< In his writing career, Yukihei Saito has attracted a large number of readers with his unique perspective and easy-to-understand expression.

His work style focuses on empirical analysis and is good at analyzing problems from historical and realistic perspectives.< In the book "Capital in the Anthropocene", he deeply explores the impact of the capitalist economic system on human society and the natural environment, as well as possible future development trends.

In terms of personal life, Yukihei Saito has always kept a low profile and rarely accepted media interviews.< However, his works have had a wide impact around the world.

Many authoritative media, experts and institutions have highly praised his works.< For example, The Economist magazine once commented that his works are "insightful and forward-looking", while The New York Times praised his research for "providing us with a valuable perspective to understand the economic and social problems in today's world.

" Although Yukihei Saito's works have had a wide impact in academia and society, he is not satisfied with it.< He always pays attention to the development of the global economy and society and constantly updates his research.

It is reported that he is currently preparing a new book on the impact of the digital age on the economy and society, which is expected to be published in the next two years.< In short, Yukihei Saito is a thinker worthy of our attention and study.

His book "Capital in the Anthropocene" provides us with a new perspective, allowing us to have a deeper understanding of the capitalist economic system and its impact on human society and the natural environment.< We look forward to his future works and believe that he will continue to reveal more mysteries about this world to us.