I'm very unhappy that I have to take Wendell Berry's essay collection What Matters?: Economics for a Renewed Commonwealth back to the library; it's overdue. I may have to break down and buy it--not only is it a fantastic collection of essays, it will now forever be connected in my memory with a time I've found somewhat trying but also memorable. By which I mean, I read most of this book after 3 a.m. baby feedings, when CRjr actually agreed to go back to sleep and I stayed up for a few additional moments, just to enjoy the quiet, the sense of being untethered that being up in the middle of the night gives you, and a granola bar.
The collection consists of five essays written recently, in 2009 (or 2006, in one case), and ten essays written up to several decades ago (1985, etc.). All have to do, ostensibly, with the economy, but they all have that special Wendell spin: looking at the economy in terms of not only money, but in terms of lifestyles and choices, as well as land and community stewardship.
They are, of course, sensational, which makes it all the sadder that the people who need to understand his principles the most will never read them. I didn't even bother to bookmark great passages (primarily because that would have involved heaving my ass off the couch, and I've done enough heaving around of my body and another little body the past few weeks), but also because there's a great passage on nearly every page. Here, I'll just open the book at random and I'm sure I'll find one:
"But the 'free market' idea introduces into government a sanction of an inequality that is not implicit in any idea of democratic liberty: namely that the 'free market' is freest to those who have the most money, and is not free at all to those with little or no money. Wal-Mart, for example, as a large corporation 'freely' competing against local, privately owned businesses, has virtually all the freedom, and its small competitors virtually none." (p. 182.)
Okay, I cheated a bit. That's from the essay "The Total Economy," the entire text of which is as brisk as that paragraph. Buy this one. Hand it out to people you know. Give it as a gift. Or, if nothing else, get it from the library and read it at 3 a.m., and be comforted that Wendell Berry is out there still saying the things he's saying.
Thanks CR, I just ordered it for the library! How did I miss this one? I'm so glad you chose to profile it today ~
Posted by: LynneW | 25 October 2010 at 09:59 AM
I am overjoyed to see that this work of Mr. Berry's is connecting as powerfully with other people as it did with me. I purchased it without any hesitation after I had to return the library's copy.
Posted by: Mark Nelson | 25 October 2010 at 10:11 AM
The quote from the book plus your recommendation equals a hold request for me! Thanks.
Posted by: Donna | 25 October 2010 at 12:59 PM
You've convinced me, though that's not hard to do with a Wendell Berry book. I so need this to help me remain sane and possibly even hopeful given our times.
Posted by: Susan | 25 October 2010 at 06:20 PM
Lynne,
I missed it myself--I came across it by accident when browsing the library catalog!
Mark,
That's exactly what Wendell's books do--you feel like you connect with them. Powerful, and fitting, as much of his argument is about connecting with the land and with other people in an economy (rather than with machines or things).
Donna,
I hope you like it! Let me know what you think.
Susan,
Oh, you're right. Really all I have to do with a Wendell Berry book is share the fact that it's out there and then get out of the way. His writing does all the convincing necessary. I wouldn't say it gave me hope--I'm too far gone in pessimism--but I did find it comforting on many levels.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 25 October 2010 at 07:17 PM
CR, just finished The Moneyless Man by Mark Boyle, who lived cash free for a year. He foraged for food, composted his own waste (his OWN waste) and rode his bike and hitchiked everywhere. His extreme lifestyle would not be easy to duplicate but it really made me think about what is absolutely necessary and what luxurious lives we have and take for granted. Its somewhat preachy in parts and he totally addresses the idea that this isn't for everyone. It has short chapters perfect for late night reading, I'd be interested to see what you think...
Posted by: Katharine | 25 October 2010 at 07:55 PM
"Free markets" aren't free. Even Adam Smith knew that! Why don't more people?
Posted by: Sarah | 26 October 2010 at 03:19 PM
Thanks. My reading list gets longer.
Posted by: rick | 27 October 2010 at 10:31 AM
Katharine,
I saw that book reviewed and thought, I'll have to get it. Now I will fer sure. I'll let you know what I think! Thanks--
Sarah,
Amen, sister. Because people believe what they want to believe, and all Americans want to believe that they, too, can be rich rich rich.
Rick,
My pleasure. Bump this one up toward the top, especially during this stupid election season.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 27 October 2010 at 10:50 AM