Less Is More

How Degrowth Will Save the World

By: Jason Hickel

Narrated by: Ben Crystal, Clifford Samuel

Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The world has finally awoken to the reality of climate breakdown and ecological collapse. Now we must face up to its primary cause. Capitalism demands perpetual expansion, which is devastating the living world. There is only one solution that will lead to meaningful and immediate change: DEGROWTH.

If we want to have a shot at halting the crisis, we need to restore the balance. We need to change how we see nature and our place in it, shifting from a philosophy of domination and extraction to one that's rooted in reciprocity and regeneration. We need to evolve beyond the dogmas of capitalism to a new system that is fit for the twenty-first century. But what does such a society look like? What about jobs? What about health? What about progress?

This book tackles these questions and traces a clear pathway to a post-capitalist economy. An economy that's more just, more caring, and more fun. An economy that enables human flourishing while reversing ecological breakdown. An economy that will not only lift us out of our current crisis, but restore our sense of connection to a world that's brimming with life. By taking less, we can become more.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Jason Hickel (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

A powerfully disruptive book for disrupted times. Jason Hickel takes all we've been been told about growth and development and turns it inside out, offering instead a radically possible vision of a post-growth future. If you're looking for transformative ideas, this book is for you. (Kate Raworth, economist and author of Doughnut Economics)

A masterpiece pulling together the ecological disaster wake-up call from The Uninhabitable Earth, the economic enlightenment from Piketty's Capital, and the colonial history from Jason's own The Divide. Just ace. (David Heinemeier Hansson)

A masterpiece... Less is More covers centuries and continents, spans academic disciplines, and connects contemporary and ancient events in a way which cannot be put down until it's finished. So much needs to change; although beginning that change might require nothing more than asking the right question. (Danny Dorling, Professor of Geography, University of Oxford)

Must read and must act

I was delaying reading this book for some time because I knew it would be hard to face the reality. And it is now. But it provides such great explanation of the root causes that has lead our civilization to this tipping point (actually well over it) and also outlines our future path, that I feel a sense of hope. Not big but some. And a strong determination to do something about it.

Everyone should listen to this

If you love your children, and life in general, perhaps this is the most important book you'll read of your lifetime. Expect science based doom & gloom, but also solutions, both practical and enjoyable. Implementable by our personal actions and our vote.

an important book

this should be read and re-read. our life styles are unsustainable and the more we are aware of it, the more we learn of new options - as Hickle presents adeptly - the m

love it!

well documented, well explain and the message was cristal clear. I'm happy knowing that somebody already published this information. I hope it get through people now.

Revolutionary, ontology-shattering book

Amazing book. As someone who grew up reading and idolizing the capitalist, dualistic philosophers of the West, this book is a worldview-shattering journey across ecology, sociology, economics, and decolonization movements! Well worth the listen!!!!!

A must read to all!

What an insightful, well documented and inspiring book. I learned so much! I feel that everyone should read/listen to this book.

De growth: extremely powerful & timely message

Extremely powerful and timely message for all of us Global Citizen‘s in this climate crisis. I look forward to listening to the book at least a second time and look forward to finding a book club to read chapter by chapter again: Less is More

Must read for everyone!

One of the most important books I've ever read. The political economy and ecology of the last 500 years. Plus a pathway to save our planet and move to a regenerative future. Thank you for writing this Jason. And for respecting First Nations perspectives throughout the book.

interesting book. a must read for us all...

one of the best written books I have read lately. pragmatic, well documented, interesting.

Mandatory reading!

Should be included in every educational curriculum, regardless of one's field of study. I'm including it in my courses on sustainable innovation.