I have called this book The Real Wealth of Nations because it shows that our most important economic assets are not financialthat the real wealth of nations consists of the contributions of people and our natural environment.To address the needs of our world today, we have to bring together knowledge from many areas. I therefore draw from many fields in addition to economics, including advances in both the social and natural sciences. I also propose practical steps for moving both economic and social systems in a positive direction.I have written this book to invite discussion and action. It is a book for everyone who wants a better life and a better world, and is looking for practical tools to realize these goals. I am confident that together we can build a new economic system that promotes creativity and generosity rather than greed and destructiveness. Indeed, I am convinced that this is the only viable option at this critical juncture in our cultural and planetary evolution....
