Reply #39: The Case for Conscious Capitalism [View All]

[working for good]

I appreciate your question Bonobo "Does anyone know about this "Conscious Capitalism" thing being pushed by John Mackey?" and your related underlying questions.

I have been actively involved in the Conscious Capitalism "movement" for the past five years and have spent many hours in meetings, retreats, conferences and conversations with John and others about Conscious Capitalism, visited companies including The Container Store and Patagonia (exemplary CC companies. We have spoken with countless CEOs, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and activists who are actively exploring and experimenting at the edges of the convergence of Conscious Awareness and Capitalism, at the intersection of individual and collective human learning, growth and development and, perhaps, at the edge of human evolution.

While our perspectives (yours, mine and everyone's) by our social and economic conditions, cultural conditioning, personal experience and biases,and underlying biological constitution (among other things), I observe John to be a deeply dedicated human being (as are many others involved with Conscious Capitalism), open to learning and growing, admitting mistakes, and passionately pursuing ongoing improvement and ever-increasing alignment between ideals and action. John care deeply about the well-being of all living beings and about the condition of the Earth. Yes, he is a libertarian, but that is a perspective that evolved for him over time, as he recognized that freedom and voluntary exchange served individuals and humanity better than other approaches to social organization. He is an outspoken critic of crony capitalism and rent seeking. And he has done as much as anyone I have encountered or heard of for advancing sane, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, humane treatment of animals, and the transformation of business to a more conscious form.

I encourage people to visit consciouscapitalism.org and to explore the intentions and actions of people and companies at the forefront of this emerging movement. And for the sake of all of us, add your voice to the process, so the movement can learn and evolve.

I appreciate this forum and thank you for the opportunity to respond to your question. Will be happy to say more if anyone is interested.

Jeff