When politicians tell us to focus on growth we need to ask: Why, and for whom?'

The article reflects on the societal shifts experienced during lockdown, highlighting the emotional turmoil and moments of clarity regarding values that emerged. Despite initial opportunities for reflection and potential change, humanity appears to revert to its previous fixation on economic growth at the expense of addressing pressing environmental and social issues. The author critiques the post-pandemic return to competitive capitalism, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of what growth truly means and questioning the societal implications of prioritizing it over sustainability and wellbeing.

"After a few years of floundering and posturing, we are back where we were, our fingers firmly in our ears about the nature of international crises..."

"A sense of what mattered and who mattered, to us as individuals and to the whole of society."

Read at www.theguardian.com