Review: Enough, by John Naish

I’ve just finished reading Enough, by John Naish. It’s a great book that I think Go Greener readers will really enjoy.

Naish explores how evolution and history have gotten us hooked on having more: more information, more food, more work, more stuff. He then discusses his ideas about how we can, as individuals and as a society, break free from this cycle.

He talks to scientists and psychologists, and gives funny examples from his own life and from people who’ve gotten the balance right. He breaks the subject into 6 sections: information, food, stuff, work, options, happiness and growth. For each topic he examines why people strive for so much of it, and what needs they’re really trying to fulfill. At the end of each section he gives a few suggestions for how we can learn what is enough of each of those.

I found the section on information very relevant to my life - I do love the internet for it’s ability to keep me up-to-date on every bit of news, science, politics, fashion, books, music, movies, etc etc etc. The section on work was least relevant to me, as I’ve already switched to a 4-day work week in order to have more balance in my life (more on this in a future post!) and am pretty happy with this decision.

But I think the most important chapter for us greenies is the section on economic growth. It’s a common idea that ever-increasing economic growth is necessary for the health of our society. But Naish points out what common sense tells us, which we try to ignore: there’s only so many resources on the planet for us to use. Constant growth will fail us, and we need to figure out an alternative. The book was originally published in early 2008, before the global financial crisis became apparent. So this second edition has an additional section discussing the implications of a financial system built on a shaky foundation.

The last chapter is about the things we can never have enough of: gratitude, time with family and friends, mindful respect. Naish suggests that those of us who want a more sustainable society should not only be trying to find the right level of enough work and enough stuff, we should also let people know we’re having much more fun without all the status symbols and stress! Often the best way to get people to change their minds is to look like you’re having a better time than they are

Recommended?
I think just about everyone should give Enough a go! Naish is an engaging writer, taking a light-hearted tone but not afraid to tell it like it is. He fills the book with interesting pop science and eye-opening facts, while still finding room for amusing stories that you’ll relate to. The problem of over-consumption is so relevant to us all these days, and Naish has put his own solutions to the test and been happy with the results in his life. I think his opinions are well worth considering.