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Reflection Paper
Core Issue: The central concern of these readings was the concept of Buen Vivir. Ten years ago, the financial crisis shocked the world. The collapse of the bloated mortgage market in the United States led to losses in large banks in the billions of dollars, followed by a global economic downturn and public finances in many countries. The Euro and the European Monetary Union fell into a deep crisis of confidence. Buen Vivir is the material, social and spiritual satisfaction of all members of the community, which cannot be at the expense of others, but not at the cost of natural resources.
Key Insight: I was surprised to learn that the common good economy refers to an economic system that promotes the common good, rather than profit, competition, greed and envy. You can also say that we can strive for a good life for everyone, and not for luxury for a few. Bolivia and Ecuador allude here to the local, non-colonial Andean tradition. In particular, they refer to the Quechua word “Sumak Kawsay”, which in Spanish means “Buen Vivir” or “Vivir Bien”. We are talking about the material, social and spiritual satisfaction of all members of the community, which cannot be at the expense of others, but not at the expense of natural resources.
Implication: I have been challenged to “Good life for all” has become a term in recent years that is used in different ways. While some of them means that you need to spend more time and enjoy life, perhaps separate a little more garbage and take Café Latte to go to the refillable cup, others understand the radical changes. The latter, of course, is a more exciting story, because it goes back to native Latin America and, in addition to their political and socio-economic significance, also has a spiritual background.
Critical question: I am still wondering is BuenVivir primarily a decolonial position?
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