distributed-capitalism
An emerging economic model characterized by decentralized production and ownership, linked to the Third Industrial Revolution and new social dynamics.
2 chapters across 1 book
Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis (2009)Jeremy Rifkin
Part III of Jeremy Rifkin's 'The Empathic Civilization' explores the contemporary phase of human history termed 'The Age of Empathy,' focusing on the tension between growing global empathy and escalating environmental entropy. The section outlines chapters addressing humanity's climb to global peak empathy, the planetary crisis of resource depletion, the rise of distributed capitalism, the evolving social self, and the emergence of biosphere consciousness within a climax economy. The introduction and first chapter highlight the paradox of human history where increased empathic awareness has coincided with greater energy consumption and environmental degradation, posing a critical challenge for civilization's survival.
Chapter 13 explores the transition toward a new economic paradigm termed 'distributed capitalism,' characterized by decentralized, networked collaboration enabled by digital technologies and grassroots computing. It highlights how mass collaboration, emotional intelligence, and collective wisdom are reshaping traditional capitalist structures, emphasizing the role of social intelligence and positive affect in leadership and organizational success. The chapter also critiques conventional economic indicators like GDP, advocating for alternative measures that better capture human well-being and social progress in this emerging era.