"I think we're miserable partly because we have only one god, and that's economics"
- James Hillman
About this Quote
James Hillman, a psychologist renowned for his contributions to depth psychology and stereotypical psychology, provides an extensive critique of modern society in the declaration, "I think we're unpleasant partly because we have only one god, which's economics." This quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the overarching dominance of financial worths in modern life, overshadowing other vital aspects of human existence, such as spirituality, neighborhood, and individual satisfaction.
In declaring economics as the particular "god," Hillman recommends that economic success has become the ultimate procedure of worth and purpose in society. This focus ignores varied measurements of human needs, minimizing complex lives to quantitative indicators like GDP growth, stock exchange performance, and individual wealth build-up. Hillman suggests that this mono-dimensional focus can result in a cumulative malaise, as it prioritizes materialism and competition over imagination, compassion, and ethical factors to consider.
Furthermore, by utilizing the metaphor of a "god," Hillman critiques how financial reasoning often holds a sacred, unquestionable status in decision-making procedures both at private and governmental levels. Choices are regularly justified on the basis of economic performance, even when they might be damaging to ecological sustainability, social justice, or human well-being. In this sense, economics can be viewed as an idol, determining priorities and overshadowing other important worths.
This point of view resonates with reviews of neoliberal commercialism, which typically point to how financial imperatives bypass ecological balance and social equity. Hillman's argument calls for a reassessment of values, prompting societies to go beyond the narrow boundaries of economic determinism and promote more holistic methods to well-being.
Ultimately, the quote serves as a call to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of human happiness and to seek satisfaction through a balanced integration of financial pursuits with spiritual, cultural, and communal engagements. Hillman challenges us to diversify the "gods" we worship, hence possibly reducing the prevalent sense of misery by promoting abundant, diverse, and significant lives.
About the Author