Social Change
We live in an industrial-technological age dominated by economic life for which capitalism and socialism propose different though equally materialistic models, the one of free competition, the other of enforced co-operation. In the late 20th century the failings of both were becoming increasingly obvious. Real progress in solving the global problems of poverty, conflict and deteriorating natural and social environments requires free cooperation and a new social consciousness. Does the remarkable transition in South Africa offer a special opportunity to find new and creative solutions? Steiner's proposals for an associative economy and the independent organisation of spiritual-cultural, political and economic affairs offer an alternative to both centralised state planning and free market approaches.
Working according to the associative principle, Anthroposophical banks enable socially conscious investors to connect with and finance worthwhile organisations and initiatives at negotiated interest rates in support of their social aims, rather than to maximise returns. This overcoming of egotism in economic life is necessary to the realisation of the great social ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity in spiritual-cultural, political and economic spheres respectively.
Credits (bottom): Triodos Bank in Europe