JEP Foundation

Humanistic Capitalism promotes abundance

The world is out of balance. In a time of rampant commercialism and consumerism, Humanistic Capitalism helps open our minds to other possibilities and provides the opportunity to change the future for the better. Humanistic Capitalism helps correct the balance and ensure there’s plenty for all; it’s an alternative to predatory capitalism, socialism, fascism, communism, and lesser forms of social and economic structure.

The principles of Just Enough Profit are akin to the Native American philosophy, the “Law of Just Enough,” where you take only what you need (not what you want) and leave the rest–this is the secret of abundance. It’s also a principle that fishermen follow. Fishermen know that if you take every fish caught, regardless of size, you’ll soon have no more fish. So they return an appropriate amount to the environment so those fish can multiply and provide food for another day. It’s the same way with capitalism—those that hoard profit instead of returning it to the money supply will sow the seeds of their own destruction.

Here are a set of principles that companies and individuals can follow to demonstrate their affinity with their fellow man. We seek to create a global movement where honor, dignity, and decency are placed above profit.

Pure, unadulterated greed is NOT a good thing and is no longer acceptable

Companies we’re associated with reflect our values. So what does that say about “us” when our companies exploit the weaknesses and poverty of others? If we truly want a better world, then owners, employees, and shareholders must behave differently. The principles of Just Enough Profit can guide us in operating our business in ways that benefit humanity, not exploit it.

We’re not talking about decreasing corporate revenue; it’s the allocation of profits we’re interested in. Many people brag “Look how much money I make!” First of all, that’s an narcissistic viewpoint, and second, it’s not very enlightened. We want to change the bragging rights to “Look how much my company has done for humanity!” The good your company does may result in better working conditions, lower prices, charitable donations, or an improved standard of living. And you can still make enough money for yourself, while being mindful of the needs of others.

Applying the tenets of Humanistic Capitalism allows us to master personal greed and change the world one company at a time.

In this society, why is greed considered a good thing? Why do our business schools teach “Greed is good?” Wanting to make a good living and have abundant material possessions is one thing, but without a moral compass it’s just greed. So wanting good things for our family and our progeny is perfectly acceptable; doing so without thought to the future of society or the world at large is not.

Through the millennia, the breadth and depth of man’s inhumanity to man knows no bounds; it boggles the mind. We now face a choice—to conduct ourselves honorably, or not. Do we recognize the needs of our fellow man, and stand for something worth standing for, or do we continue to act in the same degrading and predatory manner we have for thousands of years? We now have the opportunity to make life better, not just for ourselves but for everyone on Earth. And we can do it in an honorable, generous, and compassionate manner. Humanistic Capitalism embodies these values. Anyone can do it; all it takes is someone who cares about others.