AFFLUENZA: When Too Much is Never Enough (Clive Hamilton & Richard Denniss)

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This is a riveting exploration of the effects of over-consumption and the everlasting pursuit of riches. Will resonate with anyone concerned about their own aspirations and the money merry-go-round. The Western World is in the grip of a consumption binge unprecedented in human history. We aspire to the lifestyles of the rich and famous at the cost of family, friends, and personal fulfilment. Rates of stress, depression and obesity are up as we wrestle with the emptiness and endless disappointment of the consumer lifestyle. "Affluenza" pulls no punches, claiming society as a whole is addicted to over-consumption. Fortunately there is a cure - more and more people are choosing to disregard the promotional gimmicks of modern marketing, reduce their consumer spending, and recapture time for the things that really matter. "Affluenza" shows you how.

Contents:
Part I A society going nowhere
1. Affluenza
2. Consuming passions
3. Spreading the virus
4. How much is enough?Part II The effects of affluenza
5. Debt
6. Overwork
7. Wasteful consumption
8. Spending ourselves sick Part III What can be done?
9. The politics of affluenza
10. The downshifters
11. A new politics
AppendixWellbeing Manifesto for a Flourishing Society

PUBLICATION DATE: Dec 2007