Getting and Spending

Book excerpt: Getting and spending conceives the economy and economic acts as essentially social. After a frank look at the benefits and perils of economic abundance, it moves from the universal and inevitable condition of economic scarcity to the need to use material resources and human efficiency. The crucial analysis of this book centers on an understanding of gain-seeking - both as a human drive essential for the economy to function an as a distinctive human appetite which, being prone to sensuality, self-glorification, greed and love of power, must be guided and monitored, especially by the virtues of justice, moderation and spiritual poverty. All of this brought together produces the conclusion that, as divergent as they might sometimes be, moral and economic endeavors can be not only compatible but mutually confirming.--Provided by Amazon.com.