What is capitalism? I would define is as the freedom of though and the freedom of innovation and freedom to make profits. Is this good? Yes, it keeps the wheels of the economy churning and ensures that we do have enjoy certain liberties, most particularly the freedom of expression, which isn't the case in most communist societies. We need money to survive in this day and age, where barter system is not the norm.
But when the freedom to make profits, crosses a certain invisible ethical line and manifests itself into ruthless greed, it can only lead to downfall of humankind.
Yesterday at the Anuradha Gandhy Memorial lecture, Arundhati Roy spoke on: The Ghost of Capitalism. I was fortunate to be able to attend it. I am not a communist and can never be one, either I don't understand it, or understand correctly that it too has its evil side.
That said, Arundhati Roy's speech, as always, was an eye-opener.
It is true that the divide between the rich and poor is ever increasing. Now, if everyone could just donate a percentage of their take home pay to an NGO of their choice-- which really does good work at the grass root level, perhaps that would bring about some improvement in our society.
Here are the links to some media coverage of the event. Her blog post of yesterday's speech is on GoodReads and the link to the same is also below.
Mumbai Mirror
The Economic Times
Arundhati Roy's blog on GoodReads
Source of the photograph
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Thank you so much for your support and your kind words over at my blog. The friendship we form here are such a blessing. Thank you again.
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