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The Economy, Nature, and the Meaning of Life After the Coronavirus Crisis

In: The New Common

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Geest

    (Tilburg School of Catholic Theology)

  • Carlos J. B. Bourbon de Parme

    (Compazz, An Independent Organization with the Aim of Accelerating the Circular Economy, Sustainable Innovation, and Transition)

  • Sylvester Eijffinger

    (Tilburg School of Economics and Management)

Abstract

“Christians still regularly tell you that nature is so beautiful and testifies of God’s greatness and goodness. Oh, dear people, nature is downright terrible, nature is one great suffering... What is ‘very good’ about a creation in which the most terrible parasites live in humans and animals...? What is ‘very good’ about a creation in which all organisms are terrorized by parasites, including parasites themselves?” (‘t Hart, Wie God verlaat heeft niets te vrezen. De Schrift betwist, pp. 7–8; 1997). The words by Maarten ‘t Hart seem irrefutable. Now that the coronavirus causes a disease that makes us realize that life is not as malleable in everything as we wish, they would have been almost prophetic if he had added the word “viruses” after “the most terrible parasites.” Long before Maarten ‘t Hart, ancient philosophers refused to accept the idea that creation is only cruel and chaotic. In this chapter, we will discuss how every crisis is an opportunity to continue to grow, either personally or collectively, or to come to a deeper understanding. Bearing this in mind, the question arises as to how we can learn from the present coronavirus crisis. How should society be rearranged? How should we deal with nature of which humankind is a part?

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Geest & Carlos J. B. Bourbon de Parme & Sylvester Eijffinger, 2021. "The Economy, Nature, and the Meaning of Life After the Coronavirus Crisis," Springer Books, in: Emile Aarts & Hein Fleuren & Margriet Sitskoorn & Ton Wilthagen (ed.), The New Common, chapter 11, pages 75-82, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-030-65355-2_11
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65355-2_11
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