[Lapg] February 3-23, 2008 California/Oregon/Colorado Book Tour for “Simple Prosperity?Dave Wann

[Diana Liu]

"Wann points to the transition Japan made in the 18th century as a model for what America can become. “Land was in short supply, forest resources were being depleted, and minerals such as gold and copper were suddenly scarce as well. Japan went from being resource-rich to resource-poor, but its culture adapted by developing a national ethic that centered on moderation and efficiency. An attachment to the material things in life was seen as demeaning, while the advancement of crafts and human knowledge were seen as lofty goals. Ritualistic disciplines like fencing, martial arts, the tea ceremony, flower arranging, literature, art, and skillful use of the abacus all fluorished. Most people had access to basic education and health care, and the three largest cities in Japan had 1500 bookstores among them. “We can make that kind of transition in America,?says Wann."

I just want to point from a historical stand point (not to belittle what Japan has accomplished), the depletion and scarcity of resources is what drove Japan's conquest of many of the Asian and South East Asian countries during WWII.  And this is also perhaps the fundamental reason for many wars throughout human history.

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Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.
                                   - Lao Tzu
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