An African philosopher wrote to me following the publication of the first edition of this book, pointing out its similarities to the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu, which celebrates our connectedness to each other and to the world. I am because we are, says Ubuntu.

Our only real choice is to transform the structures and institutions that shape the social world. To articulate a more credible vision for a lasting prosperity. This book has highlighted the principal dimensions of that task. We must establish the ecological bounds on human activity. We must tackle the systemic inequalities which undermine social

It’s telling that our obsession with novelty bears such a key responsibility for undermining sustainability. Because the fundamental point about sustainability is that it’s about longevity through time. Relentless novelty undermines our sense of a common endeavour embedded over time. And the social institutions that might correct for this have

The reality is that pure state ownership and pure private ownership are just two variants in a quite wide spectrum of possibilities. Perhaps most interesting here are the various models of ‘distributed’ ownership and control which have a surprisingly long pedigree and are beginning to see something of a resurgence. Employee ownership, for example,

Agriculture will pay more attention to the integrity of the land and the welfare of livestock. Manufacturing will pay more attention to durability and repairability. Construction must prioritise refurbishment of existing buildings and the design of new sustainable and repairable infrastructures. The model of the ‘circular economy’ has much to offer

Potential policy measures include progressive tax structures, minimum and maximum income levels, improved access to education, anti-discrimination legislation and improving the local environment in deprived areas.

This means finding new ways to fulfil the social and psychological aspirations which have been given over to material consumption. One way to achieve this is through investment in public amenities and spaces that create opportunities for leisure and self-development. An equally important, complementary strategy lies in the strengthening of

Whatever the latent desire for change, it’s notoriously difficult for people simply to choose sustainable lifestyles. Even highly motivated individuals fall prey to conflict as they attempt to live better lives. The chances of wide-scale societal shifts in behaviour are negligible without changes in the social structure.

Politicians should see themselves as stewards of human potential. Their role is to enable people to reach their full potential as human beings. To provide them with the skills and infrastructure to do so.23