What's the Economy For, Anyway?: Why It's Time to Stop Chasing Growth and Start Pursuing Happiness

In this funny, readable, and thought-provoking book, activists John de Graaf (coauthor of the bestselling Affluenza) and David Batker tackle thirteen economic issues, challenging the reader to consider the goal of our economy. Emphasizing powerful American ideals, including teamwork, pragmatism, and equality, de Graaf and Batker set forth a simple goal for any economic system: the greatest good for the greatest number over the longest run. Drawing from history and current enterprises, they show how the good life is achieved when people and markets work together with an active government to create a more perfect economy-one that works for everyone.

In this funny, readable, and thought-provoking book, activists John de Graaf (coauthor of the bestselling Affluenza) and David Batker tackle thirteen economic issues, challenging the reader to consider the goal of our economy. Emphasizing powerful American ideals, including teamwork, pragmatism, and equality, de Graaf and Batker set forth a simple goal for any economic system: the greatest good for the greatest number over the longest run. Drawing from history and current enterprises, they show how the good life is achieved when people and markets work together with an active government to create a more perfect economy-one that works for everyone.

John de Graaf is the coauthor of the national bestseller Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, executive director of Take Back Your Time (see www.timeday.org), and a coordinator of the Seattle Area Happiness Initiative. He is a frequent speaker on issues of overwork and overconsumption in America.David Batker is a fellow of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont. He is the director of Earth Economics, a firm that provides ecologically oriented economic analysis.