Wilde About 2010

New decade. New economy...What does it mean to you?

Hopefully, we’re beginning to pull out of the financial crisis, but obviously a lot seems to have changed. While some are simply keeping closer tabs on their budgets, others are calling for a complete overhaul of the way society assigns value.

The Value of Nothing

After a quick #neweconomy search on Twitter, we found the intellectually stimulating Raj Patel (www.rajpatel.org) promoting his new book The Value of Nothing.

The provocative title is actually attributed to Oscar Wilde who observed in the late 1800’s that “people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

In Patel’s quest to “reshape market society and redefine democracy,” he asserts that market costs--which don’t include factors like a product’s sustainability--are unrepresentative of true costs (i.e. a hamburger should really cost $200 given the long-term negatives affects of the cattle industry, a poor diet, etc…).

Paying a Price

So, how much impact has the new economy had on your business and/or perspective?

1. A lot…let’s rethink everything!

2. A lot…let’s just stay calm.

3. Some…but we’ve adjusted.

4. What new economy?

5. None of the above, and I’ll tell you why…

We’ll report back with a tally of your responses--and see what unfolds in the coming months. Meanwhile, please note: Oscar Wilde also said “anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.”

Happy New Year!

Meredith & Stephanie

Principals, Inkwel.com