The world seems always concentrated on growing, and any negative performance of GDP is a source of concern. It seems like patience and tolerance are considered important just because they make us accept economic figures for what they are, and years as a period of austerity, whereas they were supposed to be full of wealth and prosperity.
The biggest threat (and the most precious opportunities) for the Western world comes from China, because of its stunning economic performance. The sovereign debt crisis itself underlines the importance of growth in order to recover public finances and respect the conditions for stability.
At the individual level, the possibilities that most of us desire are connected with social mobility, i. e. the proportion of richness we are eligible to, improving our economic conditions, making our "dreams" true.
I am not convinced by the ones who criticize the GDP as an indicator of happiness, but without clearly identifying viable alternatives.
Nonetheless, I think there is a question that we should ask ourselves: how much growth could we give up in order to look for such alternatives?
I live in Italy, where entire decades have been lost in terms of economic growth, especially under centre-right governments. But just in the recent weeks some form of social cohesion has emerged, in representing the troubles of many families and individuals, made more difficult by the crisis. If solidarity, more reflection, and a sincere analysis of injustice could substitute egoistic and limiting attitudes, I would be ready to accept more stagnation in the following months, and even years. A society with mere consumption and without ideas cannot survive for a long time.
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