Description

Greenspan’s Anguish, along with Thoreau’s Prophecy, shows evidence that the environment and economy are at odds. In a series of essays, James Eggert, an ecological economist, seamlessly illustrates how markets negatively impact the earth. Looking at the naturalist, Henry David Thoreau’s, philosophies and the economist Alan Greenspan’s views, Eggert implores us to think about our carbon footprint and be more environmentally responsible. We must grow with nature, not against it. The solution is simplicity, meaning, living like Thoreau.

With incredible insight, Eggert guides us through vast economic perspectives that negatively impact the environment. He introduces us to “Meadowlark Economics,” a view of collective corporate actions that negatively impact nature, or “meadowlarks.”Eggert provides evidence of the decline of natural resources like forests, farms, water, air, and bees. Greenspan’s Anguish Thoreau as Economic Prophet also questions how we determine and measure value in nature.

Eggert focuses on how individuals can counterbalance the planet and be more socially conscious. By using Thoreau as an example, Eggert shows how we can implement minimalism into our lives. If everyone executes simplicity into their daily lifestyles, our anguish and suffering along with Mother Earth’s will subside.