Aug 24, 2025

post-growth


Prompt: Contentment is anathema to capitalism. 

Response: "Capitalism thrives on the idea that individuals will always want more, driving demand and innovation. Contentment can dampen this drive. (...) If people are satisfied with their current situation, they may not engage in the consumer behaviors that fuel economic expansion. (...) This dynamic raises interesting questions about the balance between personal fulfillment and economic systems." 

Prompt: Relation of contentment with the photo.

Response: "(...) The lush greenery suggests a peaceful retreat, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. Being surrounded by plants can enhance feelings of contentment, as nature often provides a calming effect. (...) The presence of a small table and chairs indicates a space for reflection or social interaction. Such environments can foster connections with oneself or others, contributing to a sense of fulfillment. (...) Spaces like this encourage mindfulness, allowing individuals to appreciate the moment and their surroundings, which is essential for cultivating contentment. (...) This serene setting contrasts with the hustle of urban life and consumer culture, highlighting the beauty of simplicity and the joy found in small, everyday moments.

Prompt: You said "This serene setting contrasts with the hustle of urban life" and yet this is a city balcony. 

Response: "(...) the setting is indeed a city balcony, which adds an interesting layer to the discussion of contentment. The balcony serves as a personal retreat amidst the urban hustle, allowing individuals to escape the noise and chaos of city life, even if just temporarily. (...) Incorporating plants in city living can enhance well-being, providing a connection to nature that is often lacking in densely populated areas. (...) The ability to create a serene space in an urban environment reflects a conscious effort to cultivate contentment, balancing the demands of city life with personal well-being. (...) The arrangement of plants and seating suggests a thoughtful approach to living, where individuals prioritize moments of peace and reflection, even in a bustling city. 

Prompt: Do you think it is a good image for what post-growth can be? 

Response: "Yes, the image can effectively symbolize the principles of post-growth. (...) Emphasis on Sustainability. The lush plants represent a commitment to sustainability and ecological balance, key tenets of post-growth thinking, which advocates for living within ecological limits. Quality of Life Over Quantity The cozy balcony setting emphasizes the importance of quality of life and well-being over material accumulation, reflecting a shift away from consumerism. Connection to Nature. The presence of greenery highlights the value of integrating nature into daily life, promoting mental health and a sense of community, which are central to post-growth ideals. Intentional Living. The serene atmosphere encourages mindfulness and simplicity, suggesting that fulfillment can come from small, meaningful experiences rather than constant growth and consumption. Urban Resilience. The image illustrates how urban spaces can adapt to promote resilience and sustainability, showcasing a vision for future living that prioritizes harmony with the environment.

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), August 20, 2025.

Aug 12, 2025

August


"It has become quite difficult to remember the simple fact about humankind. Its magical power and its beauty is only visible when you too are there, without the mirrors, and only when you are close enough to touch one another". Ece Temelkuran (2025). Together: a manifesto against a heartless world. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC).

Aug 3, 2025

Sustainable prosperity


«A shift towards an economy of care, craft and creativity (...) is not just about the quality of public services or the possibility of creating decent employment. It's a direct answer to the search for a sustainable prosperity. The quest for the good life. To the desire to live well - within the limits of a finite planet.» Tim Jackson (2025). The Care Economy. 

Photo of tapestry «Connected» (81 x 91 cm) by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). August 2025.

Aug 2, 2025

Garden design as Art


"(...) bear in mind that garden design as it is studied by the one nation which really understands it - the Japanese - takes many years of serious application to reach perfection. It is a very high art". Frances Wolseley (1919). Gardens: their form and design. Found and suggested by paula simoes' blog. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), July 13, 2025.

PS - The Countryman's Log Book