Limits to Growth by Meadows, Donella H. (October 1, 1972) Mass Market Paperback Unknown Binding

Far too much commentary and social and economic action - even at this late date - touts "sustainable solutions" to the problems of exponential growth, but never questions why unrestrained growth is even necessary - or "sustainable", for that matter - in the first place. This book makes it perfectly clear that there is nothing "sustainable" about endless growth (mainly of the world population and economies, but also of the polluting effects of same), and gives good reasoning just why this is so - and this was in 1972! The world events of the last 40+ years have only provided more evidence of the effects of the poor choices made by humanity over the recent generations. By becoming familiar with the "feedback loops" described and studied by these scholars, we are shown that rapid, unfettered changes - which I observe as being heavily proselytized by the acolytes of "free markets" and the massive, filthy profits they generate for a few, but are also eagerly lapped up by mindless consumers - is most likely to lead to the collapse of (what) civilization (we have left), rather than to the deluded consumerist nirvana about which capitalist societies fantasize in the extreme. The authors outline, in very basic terms, that a long line of quickly succeeding changes, both environmental and social, which are not properly assimilated by humanity as a whole, precariously reduce the delay time needed to account for and judge the effects of each change, and thus (as both the authors and I have separately observed in our own ways) can very well become the agencies by which humans may destroy the very world environment, both natural and social, that they depend upon.I regret I have not read this text until just these last few months, but it is nonetheless evident that it should be required reading for anyone seeking awareness and motivation to help guide the course of the human race in a truly "human" direction. And even more stringently required reading to educate those at the levers of economic and government influence and power. Additional note: I have finished reading "Limits to Growth" and am diving right into the 2nd followup volume ("Limits to Growth - 30 year review" [pub'd 2002 - 2004]; the 20-year review in 1992 was titled "Beyond the Limits"), to see how the inputs to the world models originally created in 1972 have been updated. Not looking too good, folks.

Loved this informative book:This book Hides behind a curtainof how we all need to helpthe planet but the real TRUTHbehind “ROMES CABAL” plan.Read Beteen The Lines.It really is about the NWOPlans and Agenda for the demiseof Humanity we and so much more.Buy the 1972 published the 2004took out large sections ofOriginal book.

This is a good basic primer written just as Systems Thinking was taking off. Be sure to sure to follow up with more current books using Systems Thinking to make realistic social changes.

Great book that's as relative as ever. It's amazing how spot on Donella and co. were with their systems analysis of our global extraction/production system. We're now looking at the confluence of exponential population growth, decreasing stocks of economically viable resources and a serious degradation of our natural world. With all of our incredible technical ability and advanced reasoning skills, it never ceases to amaze me how we function no differently than algae in a pond on a hot summer day. The shadows are growing long across our day...

Pretty easy read and view of what has been coming since. Very early views of Global engineering and timelines. History always teaches and worth the read for the low price paid.

I got my copy after Watching a youtube video on the Club of Rome and how some Elite people believe that the world is over populated. And how Some secret society has to monitor the growth of the human race. Scary stuff but anyway this book seems to be a pre requisite to the georgia guide stones in Georgia, USA. The same things that are said in this book are the same things that are chiseled into these gigantic stones in Georgia. A scary read but some insight

The long standing fact gathering presentation of the Club of Rome's project to monitor human impact on the planet provides a critial view of our current situation... Read this Book!

A book written be evil people needs to be read, lessons to be learned.

Exactly as expected.A book I highly recommend to all citizens of the world that have a plan to live through the 21st century.Although written in 1972 it is more relevant today than it was then!