For millennia, human economies thrived on the principle of use-value, mainly in circular economies. Work, trade, innovation, and markets existed long before capitalism took center stage. Capitalism’s defining feature is the relentless pursuit of profit, an abstract goal that sets it apart from previous economic systems. While some companies today prioritize providing goods and services, the dominant capitalist model, exemplified by giants like Aramco, Apple, and Zara, hinges on continuous growth measured solely in profit. This relentless pursuit of abstract growth creates an unsustainable model that threatens our future.
Traditional businesses, such as the local restaurant, focus on meeting needs and generating sufficient revenue to cover costs and sustain operations. Their primary goal is to provide value, not maximize profit. Similarly, not-for-profit organizations operate within the capitalist system, but their purpose lies beyond profit extraction. Revenue is reinvested or donated, contributing to social or environmental causes. These entities, while vital to a balanced economy, stand in contrast to the capitalist behemoths driven by the relentless pursuit of growth.
Capitalism’s insatiable appetite for growth stems from its dependence on profit as the ultimate measure of success. Companies are pressured to expand, innovate, and outperform competitors, not just to survive but to thrive. This constant expansion necessitates ever-increasing consumption, resource extraction, and production. The finite nature of our planet, however, clashes with this imperative for infinite growth.
The consequences of this unsustainable model are becoming increasingly evident. Environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequality are just a few of the symptoms of an economic system that prioritizes profit over all else. The pursuit of growth at any cost has led to climate change, pollution, and the exploitation of nearly all humans, animals, and nature. The very foundations of our planet and society are threatened by the relentless drive for profit.
A shift away from this unsustainable model is imperative. We must recognize that endless growth on a finite planet is simply impossible. The focus on profit as the sole metric of success needs to be re-evaluated. By prioritizing value creation, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, we can move towards an economic system that supports human flourishing without compromising the planet’s health.
The end of capitalism as we know it may not be imminent, but its unsustainable nature is undeniable. The relentless pursuit of abstract growth, fueled by the profit motive, cannot continue indefinitely. By redefining success beyond profit, we can create a more egalitarian and sustainable world for generations to come.
