Just what the world needs, July 2, 2003

Reviewer: doug skipper from Australia

It doesn't take too much investigation to see that capitalism isn't working. Some may talk about the positive effects of the capitalist paradigm, but the negatives are far greater, and continue to grow in number. People talk about the problem, and offer partial solutions. To my mind, "After Capitalism" provides accurate insight into the predicament of human society in the 21st century. It also gives the reader a glimpse of a new socio-economic system (PROUT - Progressive Utilisation Theory), that has the collective welfare of humanity,and the planet as its central focus. What I found truly inspiring reading Dada Maheshvararanda's book, were the numerous examples of "Prout in action" all around the world. This is the living proof that an alternative to capitalism is not only a possibility, but an inevitability.

A book for those who want economic justice - June 11 2003, June 11, 2003

Reviewer: Garda K. Ghista from Fort Thomas, Kentucky USA

With the American economy in shambles and having the highest debt in its history, with the announcement yesterday of the possible collapse of Freddie Mac, which may be the strongest indicator yet of the pending global collapse of capitalism, the book "After Capitalism: PROUT's Vision for a New World' appears to arrive at a critical time in history when we may very well be witness to the disintegration of the free market economy. Perhaps the strongest point of the book is that while Chapter 1 focuses on the economic problem, the remaining 11 chapters present to the reader realistic, practical and inspiring solutions. The author, Dada Maheshvarananda, talks about a yogic concept of spirituality, based on personal spiritual practice, as being a requisite base for a moral socio-economic structure that can lead to the well-being of not just a chosen few but of all the people. He quotes the great economist, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, founder of PROUT, as saying that all human beings have innate spiritual longing, and when the basic needs of life are satisfied, people will have the chance to develop these higher mental and spiritual potentialities. The author further talks about the poverty prevalent everywhere and about the fundamental right of human beings to live, to own their own home, and to have adequate purchasing capacity. Like David Korten and other visionaries, Maheshvarananda puts forth the concept of regional self-sustaining communities and revival of the barter system (already started by Venezuela with its neighbors in exchange for oil). Most important, he advocates the creation of cooperatives world-wide as the first step towards real economic democracy. Finally there is sound discussion of the vital importance of ethics and justice in the creation of a new economy, followed by a call to action. This book is a must-read for all those who feel heartbroken at the present state of world affairs, who feel helpless realizing that 80 percent of the world's population live in absolute poverty. It is a must-read because it provides simple practical solutions that every person can act upon in his or her own community. Everyone can benefit by studying this book. And the poor people working at minimum or starvation wages today have the most to benefit by acting on the concepts promoted therein, to create for themselves a sustainable tomorrow.

A Wealth of Information and Ideas, October 18, 2003

Reviewer: brahmaviira from Portugal

The most important contribution of this book is that it presents an alternative to the free market economy we have taken for granted.

Especially after the fall of communism, most people have taken capitalism as the given order of life instead of seeing it for what it really is: An economic system that is dominant at a given point of time. 'After Capitalism' shows us that there are alternative ideas out there, and presents those ideas with force and power, backed up by support of some of the most powerful alternative thinkers of our age, such as Noam Chomsky, P.R. Sarkar and Johan Galtung.

Whether you are a staunch free market supporter or a member of the anti-globalisation movement, this book is important for any person who seriously wants to analyse the issues at hand.

If you are a free market supporter, you will find that 'the other' view is actually based on well founded facts and rational ideas, and not just on thoughtless rebellion without a proper ideology. If you do not understand people of different views, it is hard to argue with them!

If you are already critical to the current economic system, you will find here a wealth of information and theories to shape your thoughts and ideas and discover alternatives to the present system.

In either case, it is an important book that I strongly recommend that everyone interested in the current state of the world should read.

Easy to read and balanced, July 28, 2003

Reviewer: sohail inayatullah from Mooloolaba, Australia

Visions of the future are often fanciful with no understanding of the weight of history, of structures that oppress. Or visions are overly detailed, becoming a burden on the creativity and the possibility of innovation for future generations.

However, in this book, Maheshvarnanada strikes a perfect balance.

As well, populist books on capitalism become lost in endless multinational conspiracy theory without an adequate understanding of the deeper structures and worldviews that underlie the origination of the capitalist system and its likely transforming in the mid-range future.

Again, Maheshvarnananda takes a balanced view and should be credited.

After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World, July 10, 2003

Reviewer: turiiya from Philippines

If you have any empathy for humanity, this is a must read, Great social leaders around the world are seeing the dynamic social structures of P. R. Sarkar. They are clearly laid out here. Dada Maheshvarananda concisely describes the future social dynamics that humanity will follow, in a neo-(new) humanistic atmosphere, that will follow the downfall of capitalism. Read it now. R. Bates author of " The Internal Being, Reincarnative and Intuitional Psychology"...

Progress in harmony with all, July 10, 2003

Reviewer: Live Humanity from Dorset, UK

Reading this book I was struck by the ease with which it drives home a profound truth: socio-economics so far emphasized mostly if not only the economic perspective of suppliers or consumers. Prout on the other hand seems to be integrated with or is in harmony with all sciences of life; ecology, the social, politics, culture, the spiritual, you name it. The first economic theme of Prout is security -- providing all with a minimum purchasing capacity while generating enough surplus to keep the most industrious happy up front with the rest of us keeping up the middle and the rear equally happy. In this way the total economy is kept expanding while all individuals are catered for and progressing at a maximum individually and collectively. The magical key to this wonderful feat of universal good is Prout's spiritual base. It is this basic universal feeling or spirit of Prout that shines throughout the poignant treatise on a roaring socio-economic alternative to present capitalism. Dada Maheshvarananda goes through the standard proutistic motions of the forthcoming collapse of global capitalism (with some interesting examples on international lending, WalMart, and Brazil's and Argentina's economies), explaining the dynamics of economic depressions. This is followed by a lucid discussion on the basics of Prout, its socio-cultural-spiritual base and concept of maximum utilization and rational distribution of all resources and potentials. This section includes a clearly deep-felt contribution by Dr. Leonard Boff on Prout's concept of balanced dynamics, where the liberation theologist of fame gives the word integration a total makeover when delineating Prout's physical, mental and spiritual dimensions. This is one of the book's several nice features: specialists from various corners of the world, including Prof. Johan Galtung of the Euopean Peace Institute, contribute to constructing a universal vision on how the Earths resources may be utilized progressively and distributed rationally for the good and happiness of all. The book's concentrated overview blooms in diversity and points the direction to more thematic works on Prout. On the whole this is an easily read and highly informative introduction to an amazing socio-economic theory that promises a bright future in any area of life really. If you thought that capitalism may be the final word, then this book will make you think again. Highly recommended.

Economics of Hope, June 29, 2003

Reviewer: brett sculthorp from Marshall, NC United States

After Capitalism is the best introduction to Proutist Economics available. It clearly explains Prout, a comprehensive theory on the building of a sustainable economy with principles founded on spirituality and the ethics of Neohumanism (a post-humanist philosophy which acknowledges the intrinsic value of all animate and inanimate beings). This book offers a critique of capitalism as being underpinned by a materialist worldview and fostering global socio-ecological malaise. The author posits that economics should facilitate spiritual growth but capitalism cannot do this. The author uses a breadth of multinational and multicultural examples to explain the global systemic crisis. This book also aims to inspire readers through a call to action. We are encouraged to "hope for a world system of a very different kind" by Noam Chomsky. The author suggests that the change we desire and hope for can be achieved by focusing on the vision of Prout and taking initial steps such as research, information dissemination, networking, community building, and protesting. After Capitalism is an enjoyable read which spans the depth of the Prout vision and communicates current global efforts to bring about socio-ecological justice. This book is a great source of hope.

After Capitalism, June 24, 2003

Reviewer: Alexa from Montreal, Quebec, Canada

After Capitalism presents a comprehensive and realistic alternative to the destructive capitalist system. It has a strong base in spirituality, yet remains focused on practical solutions that we can all work towards. I particularly liked the emphasis on justice and equality, as well as the stress on empowerment and celebration of cultures.

The book is well written and researched, and filled with interesting examples and case studies. I believe that PROUT's ideas need to be seriously considered as we work together to build a better world.

After Capitalism is a must read for anyone invloved or interested in anti-globalization, social justice, environmental issues, cooperatives and sustainable development. A truly inspiring and thoughtful book!

The best book I've read in ages!, June 23, 2003

Reviewer: Arpita from Australia

I have been really inspired by reading this book.
It offers such a clear vision of how society could be structured in a way that reflects the highest ideals of humanity. I think this book and the model of 'Prout' that it describes will go down in history as one of the most important contributions to society! This book is for all those people who want to lead society out of the mess it's in toward a society based on working collectively for the common good of all.

The best book I've read in ages!, June 23, 2003

Reviewer: A reader from Australia

I have been really inspired by reading this book.
It offers such a clear vision of how society could be structured in a way that reflects the highest ideals of humanity. I think this book and the model of 'Prout' that it describes will go down in history as one of the most important contributions to society! This book is for all those people who want to lead society out of the mess it's in toward a society based on working collectively for the common good of all.

After Capitalism is inspiring, June 19, 2003

Reviewer: A reader from North Mankato, MN United States

Poverty, inequality, repression, ecological devastation, on and on. We've become accustomed to living with long-standing problems that defy solutions. It should be apparent that current systems are simply not serving us. We need to start "thinking outside the box".

Dada Maheshvarananda has taken that step in this book, in which he outlines the visionary social and economic theories collectively known as Prout, from the Indian thinker P.R. Sarkar. What makes this book stand out among previous expositions of Sarkarian thought is its thoroughness and how deftly the theories are related to current social problems and conflicts

Prout is a wide-ranging theory that includes a new understanding of historical evolution. It proposes practical systems to achieve a free and just society that fosters the potentialities of all human beings through economic democracy, cooperative-based enterprises, limits to inequality, and respect for diverse cultures as well as the natural world.

After Capitalism, and Not Before Time!, June 16, 2003

Reviewer: Paul De Mey from Malta

Way back in 1959 social philosopher Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar introduced a socio-economic theory called Prout. It was the first time that all strata of human life and existence had been considered deeply in the formulation of a plan for harmonious existence, and only now is its greatness beginning to be realized by many noted figures and critics.

"After Capitalism" presents Sarkar's theory with insight and lucidity. Interspersed with anecdotes and working examples of progressive cooperative projects from around the world, it heralds the coming of a compassionate and humane way of life long overdue in our jaded world.

Informative and inspiring at the same time, "After Capitalism" is an invaluable introduction to a theory that has yet to see it's day on our planet. An essential read for discerning people of all walks of life.

toward a new Vision of society, June 14, 2003

Reviewer: alexj2003 from Maine, USA

There are many futurists and futurist books critiquing the excesses and failures of Capitalism and Communism. Most thinkers and most philosophers are unable or unwilling to express an alternative socio-economic vision which deviates too much from orthodox notions of both of these ways of forming society and the world. Indeed, many who are weary of the incredible failures of Capitalism in providing a sustainable, livable world for the benefit of the majority of the people of the planet contemplate the old theories of Karl Marx, those of Anarchism, or other models of socialism since there haven't been developed any other major practical alternatives...until now. "After Capitalism" introduces a new theory of Prout, as a progressive, rational, and inspired vision of how our economic life could be while offering practical solutions which may be able to avoid the conflicts and contradictions with Capitalism and Communism.

Within this book one finds out that a Proutist society presumes a spiritual base, a spiritual understanding of human beings and their relation to the world. It is from this vision that the economic aspect and theory of Prout springs. The Progressive Utilization Theory-- of which "Prout" is the acronym-- has at its base a spiritual understanding of Humankind having notions of a universal family of men and women, and also all human beings with all entities of the natural world. The implications of this are immense and, perhaps, hard to appreciate in a materialistic culture. But the logic of such a world view flows easily and naturally. For instance, for revolutionary spiritual moralists--called in this book, "sadvipras" (ideal intellectuals)--,ones who view all men and women as fundamentally brothers and sisters, it becomes extremely difficult to recognize why one class or group of people should be allowed to exploit others mercilessly in the economic, political, or any other realm. By the same token, if animals and plants and the environment of the world have existential value greater than their mere utility value for human beings' selfish whims and wishes, moral people and activists cannot accept unsustainable destruction of the environment threatening ecological balance, and eventually perhaps even the survival of the species. This view is in direct tension with the yardstick of evaluating the world in terms of profits and "costs" to business interests. Needless to say "After Capitalism" is a radical departure from books concerning conventional theories and philosophies which make property and wealth accumulation the most important value of the society, or theories which describe human beings only in their physical aspect, as crude matter.

The crux of the material offers practical solutions and suggestions based upon Prout's principles and theories, and also gives living examples of how and where some of these initiatives are taking place. It only briefly deals with a critique of Capitalism and examples of its problems. Discussed early on is the new paradigm "based on spiritual values". From this new paradigm flows naturally a few sensible values...like the right to live! and economic democracy, sustainable environmental policy, and later on a look at cooperatives. There are many well conceived ideas which are elaborated also. For example, within is P. R. Sarkar's (Founder of Proutist Universal and creator of the theory of Prout) methodology of "class" and "class struggle" which differ significantly from what the terms mean in convention usage. New concepts of ethics and justice, as well as the strengthening of local communities and culture are discussed as well as a look at Macro-history of what has been called the "Social cycle"--a new theory about the development of various cultures.

"After Capitalism" is geared toward progressive thinkers and potential activists who are disgruntled with the tremendous failures and hypocrisies of global Capitalism but also cannot accept totalitarian, centralized socialism in the hands of a single self-elected group as the only viable alternative. It's a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read. Its material is original, and its intent inspiring. For those with a humanitarian bent who yearn for a time when they will be able to actively organize a better world for their suffering brothers and sisters "After Capitalism" promises a lot and gives a vision worth aiming for. In fact it leaves one craving for more.

A truly spiritual view of a workable economic system, June 14, 2003

Reviewer: amaro74 from Wichita, Ks USA

My experience of the book "After Capitalism: A Prout's Vision of A New World" was the first time I have read about a practical solution to the inherent weaknesses of the capitalistic system,i.e.greed, and all of its inhumane and counter ecological results.

The Marxist's view proved that the materialistic philosophy of life taken to the extreme ends up as a totalitarian state, thus leaving capitalism as the only remaining player on the present stage of history.

Prout's view on the other hand, as espoused by Dada Maheshvarananda, has taken us to a pragmatic approach to the "profit motive" of economics and soothed over the rough edges of environmental fallout with a "welfare" motivated global economic system. I was amazed at the Prout's concept of "block level planning" and how it can be extended to every region of the world.

Finally, I would like to praise the concept of "Neo-Humanism" as a philosophy of life that can take the materialistic philosophy of our age and evolve it through a mature capitalism into a way of life that allows each of us the opportunity to achieve our highest dreams and still live within the social reality maintaining our human integrity.

Bravo Dada Maheshvarananda and may the thoughts of your teacher, P.R. Sarkar, continue to shower this earth with more and more of this kind of pervasive opptimism.

After Capitalism: a good wake-up call, June 13, 2003

Reviewer: Donald Acosta from San German, PR Puerto Rico

This book is a must for everyone who claims they don't have their head stuck in the sand. It starts out by giving us a pretty good picture of the current world crisis (for those of you who don't think there's a global crisis you might want to check yourself for sand) and the principle causes behind it - the mechanisms of global capitilism, etc. That, in and of itself, is worth the read, but what really sets this book apart are the solutions it offers. Actually this is not really a book about the problems but rather about the solutions - both visionary and practical at the same time. Above all, what I liked most is the emphasis on ethics and spiritual outlook. The author rightly recognizes that no matter how good our material solutions are to this crisis, they will never bear fruit if they are not accompanied by a change of consciousness as well.
I can't imagine anyone not benefitting by reading this book, and that is the best recommendation I can give.

A Call to Action, June 13, 2003

Reviewer: Tom Lagana (see more about me) from Wilmington, Delaware -- Tom@TomLagana.com

This book sheds light where few people care to look, and inspires us to act. Also recommended, "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul" and "Chicken Soup for the "Prisoner's Soul."