From ‘Common Goods’ to the ‘Common Good of Humanity’

Rosa Luxembourg Foundation, Brussels

François Houtart, November 2011

To download : PDF (610 KiB)

Summary :

This booklet presents an analysis of the crisis as well as a prospect for the future. It has taken into account the hundreds of initiatives that foreshadow a new paradigm, that of the Common Good of Humanity, which means living harmoniously with nature, in a society that is just and which has an infinity of cultural expressions – in other words a utopia that calls for commitment. But if this is not to remain an illusion, the concept of the Common Good of Humanity has to be translated into practical terms. Theoretical orientations must guide our everyday life, but they must be continually updated in step with the experience of peoples’ struggles.

This is now the time to present, for the discussion of everyone, a basis for the kind of think-ing that can guide our action, give coherence to our thoughts and to serve as a basis for a convergence of movements to change the orientation of the common life of humanity on the planet. It is a work for the long term, but it needs immediate commitment. The next stage will be to identify the actors and formulate strategies – not to reinvent what already exists but to give new strength to the struggles and initiatives that are working towards the achievement of the Common Good of Humanity.

Sources :

Website of Degrowth in the Americas montreal2012.wordpress.com/