The more a book is like an opium pipe, the more the Chinaman reader is satisfied with it and tends to discuss the quality of the drug rather than its lethargic effects.
Julio CortazarRead
The aim of development must be neither producerism not consumerism, but the satisfaction of fundamental human needs, which are not only needs of humanity...
Interpretation
What this quote means
Development should focus on fulfilling human needs rather than just production or consumption.
In this quote, Manfred Max Neef emphasizes that true development goes beyond the conventional notions of producerism (focusing on production) and consumerism (focusing on consumption). Instead, he advocates for an approach that prioritizes the satisfaction of fundamental human needs, suggesting that the essence of progress lies in ensuring that the basic needs of humanity are met, highlighting a more holistic view of development that aligns with human well-being.
Themes
DevelopmentHuman NeedsProducerismConsumerismSatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on sustainable development, this quote can help frame a discussion about prioritizing people over profit.
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