Due to the multiple crises challenging our civilization today, the need for good, effective leadership to provide solutions has never been greater. Unfortunately, many national and local leaders are exacerbating these crises by succumbing to the attraction of power and wealth. Their individual and group interests often privilege one section of the population while disadvantaging others, exacerbating social conflicts and
Prout is a consumption-based economy which is quite distinct from consumer-driven ones. Economies like capitalism view consumption of commodities as the primary driver of profits. Hence limitless consumption of goods and services is encouraged, whether one needs them or can afford them. In Prout, consumption signifies the meeting of human needs. This is accomplished in the following ways:
Workers’ Cooperatives form the main part of Prout’s three-tier economy model. They put decision-making power and wealth into the hands of local people.
Free trade between rich and poor countries can be disastrous for the less developed trade partner. Prout suggests ways in which less developed countries can build their economies and achieve greater equality in international trade.
While political democracy can and needs to be improved, Prout emphasizes economic democracy as a direct way people can take control of their daily lives.
At the heart of the Prout philosophy is the idea of the inherent unity of all life and the spiritual essence at the core of all beings. Humans are physical, mental and spiritual beings. Political and economic planning must therefore acknowledge these three dimensions of life.
Often termed as ‘Progressive Socialism’, Prout differs from traditional Socialism in key ways, including its three-tiered economic structure and its emphasis on the protection of the natural world.
Sustainability has been a buzzword for the last few decades, but the present ecological crisis demonstrates that it is impossible to achieve sustainability within the capitalist framework that puts profit before people and planet. Prout is based on respect for all living beings, as well as the entire inanimate world.
Through its policies of economic democracy, Prout avoids market failures by decentralizing the economy and putting economic development into the hands of local communities and regions.
Capitalism allows the majority of wealth to remain in the hands of a small number of powerful individuals and corporations. In order to create greater economic equity, Prout proposes that each society decides upon a limit on the over-accumulation of wealth.
Prout proposes to replace income tax with production tax to create and simpler and fairer system that discourages tax evasion and supports local economy.
Prout’s socio-economic system is based on empowered, decentralized economies, which build local wealth and encourage regional self-sufficiency.
All able adults should have access to jobs with decent wages in order to meet their basic needs and support their ongoing development. According to Prout, employment, rather than welfare, is the way to raise the standard of living and build local economy.
Proutist Universal (PU) is a global network of activists and thinkers inspired by the integral vision and approach of the Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT).
PU publishes, presents, and networks to share those ideas and engages locally to put PROUT’s guiding principles and values into practice.
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