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Are we truly measuring progress when we rely solely on economic growth? In a world grappling with urgent global socio-ecological challenges, the traditional concepts of 'well-being' and 'quality of life' have proven inadequate, often reduced to measuring "well-having" rather than authentic fulfilment. Reformist efforts to move "beyond GDP" have been crucial, but they often lead only to incremental policy changes and are easily co-opted by the existing power structures, leaving the foundation of the capitalist system unchallenged.In this episode, we delve into the paper, "The well-living paradigm: reimagining quality of life in our turbulent world," by S. A. Hamed Hosseini. This work introduces 'well-living' as a transformative framework—a civilizational endeavour and multifaceted imperative—designed to overcome the limitations of conventional, anthropocentric, and Eurocentric well-being paradigms.The 'well-living' paradigm shifts the focus from individual contentment and economic growth to an integrated approach to living in balance with oneself, others, and the natural world. Drawing essential inspiration from transformative perspectives found in recent post-capitalist and Indigenous movements (such as Buen Vivir or "living well together"), the framework encourages a radical shift in our perception of a fulfilling life.Key Concepts of the Well-Living Paradigm:• Four Foundational Principles: The paradigm is built upon four interdependent principles: Liveability (profound harmony with the entire life-domain, respecting planetary boundaries), Creativity (cultivating sufficiency through cooperation and self-fulfilment), Conviviality (fostering solidarity, equity, and peaceful coexistence, embracing diversity), and Alterity (empowering the Self and the Other to author their destinies, transcending hierarchical structures).• Nine Key Qualities: These principles logically extend into nine key qualities that guide transformative action, including harmonious coexistence, aspirational foresight and purposefulness, conviviality and solidarity, valuing life as commons, and liberation and autonomy.• The Commonist State of Being: Ultimately, the 'well-living' approach is anchored in a 'commonist' perspective. This mindset views life itself as a commons of utmost value and requires fundamental institutional and legislative changes.• Institutional Transformation: This transformative vision demands restructuring society where political power is decentralized and participatory (grassroots democracy), and economic institutions are organized around solidarity, cooperation, care, and justice, moving toward degrowth and regenerative practices.Tune in to explore how embracing 'well-living' can empower communities to challenge the dominant global capitalist mindset and strive for a more just, regenerative, and diverse world.#WellLivingParadigm #BeyondGDP #Commonism #PostCapitalism #SocioEcologicalChallenges #Conviviality #Alterity #GrassrootsDemocracy #ValuingLifeAsCommons #TransformativeChange
By Dr S A Hamed HosseiniAre we truly measuring progress when we rely solely on economic growth? In a world grappling with urgent global socio-ecological challenges, the traditional concepts of 'well-being' and 'quality of life' have proven inadequate, often reduced to measuring "well-having" rather than authentic fulfilment. Reformist efforts to move "beyond GDP" have been crucial, but they often lead only to incremental policy changes and are easily co-opted by the existing power structures, leaving the foundation of the capitalist system unchallenged.In this episode, we delve into the paper, "The well-living paradigm: reimagining quality of life in our turbulent world," by S. A. Hamed Hosseini. This work introduces 'well-living' as a transformative framework—a civilizational endeavour and multifaceted imperative—designed to overcome the limitations of conventional, anthropocentric, and Eurocentric well-being paradigms.The 'well-living' paradigm shifts the focus from individual contentment and economic growth to an integrated approach to living in balance with oneself, others, and the natural world. Drawing essential inspiration from transformative perspectives found in recent post-capitalist and Indigenous movements (such as Buen Vivir or "living well together"), the framework encourages a radical shift in our perception of a fulfilling life.Key Concepts of the Well-Living Paradigm:• Four Foundational Principles: The paradigm is built upon four interdependent principles: Liveability (profound harmony with the entire life-domain, respecting planetary boundaries), Creativity (cultivating sufficiency through cooperation and self-fulfilment), Conviviality (fostering solidarity, equity, and peaceful coexistence, embracing diversity), and Alterity (empowering the Self and the Other to author their destinies, transcending hierarchical structures).• Nine Key Qualities: These principles logically extend into nine key qualities that guide transformative action, including harmonious coexistence, aspirational foresight and purposefulness, conviviality and solidarity, valuing life as commons, and liberation and autonomy.• The Commonist State of Being: Ultimately, the 'well-living' approach is anchored in a 'commonist' perspective. This mindset views life itself as a commons of utmost value and requires fundamental institutional and legislative changes.• Institutional Transformation: This transformative vision demands restructuring society where political power is decentralized and participatory (grassroots democracy), and economic institutions are organized around solidarity, cooperation, care, and justice, moving toward degrowth and regenerative practices.Tune in to explore how embracing 'well-living' can empower communities to challenge the dominant global capitalist mindset and strive for a more just, regenerative, and diverse world.#WellLivingParadigm #BeyondGDP #Commonism #PostCapitalism #SocioEcologicalChallenges #Conviviality #Alterity #GrassrootsDemocracy #ValuingLifeAsCommons #TransformativeChange

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