The 'Good Life'

Abstract

A good life is one in which everyone is content with what they have and do not face any difficulty in acquiring the basic necessities of life. Currently, globalization has had a negative impact on the lives of the poor as they are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer. The global business place has changed compared to what it was thousands of years ago. Although nations are developing, people are still moving below the poverty line. This shows that there is a severe imbalance which has to be eliminated. Christianity provides a strong platform on which the global economy can be based so that people can live a good life.

Introduction3

Discussion and Analysis4

Dilemma5

Major Points of discussion6

Identity Perspective6

Spiritual Economist7

Case Study8

Good Life10

Conclusion & Recommendations11

References12

The 'Good Life'

Introduction

In the book “Consuming Faith: Integrating Who We Are With What We Buy”, Beaudoin discusses about the concept of economic spirituality and explains how it is one of the fundamental characteristics of the 'good life'. This paper provides a summary, critique, and assessment of Beaudoin's work and determines its relevance by checking its application in a case study. The case study mainly focuses on how free trade can help to establish an economic balance throughout the world and narrow down the rift between the poor and the rich. Living with this sense of compassion, empathy, spirituality and accountability is what Beaudoin stresses constitute a good life. Apart from this, the case study also assesses the pros and cons of free trade agreements and determines whether or not they are helpful to the poor. In this regard, the book offers great insight into the concept of economic spirituality and its relation to the good life. Beaudoin argues that Americans have traditionally searched for identity by using a pair of passions that are paradoxical in nature - spirituality and consumerism. He explains that humans have satiated their appetite for both; where they fervently participate in religious activities and traditions, they are as keen when it comes to taking on the role of a consumer (Beaudoin, 2007). Beaudoin argues that in order to honestly put their spirituality into practice, it is imperative that humans learn to integrate the fundamental concepts of spirituality into what they purchase as consumers. In the book, he explains the role that faith plays in what humans buy and emphasizes upon how humans, through what they purchase, are connected to the rest of the world (Beaudoin, 2007).

Thesis Statement

Amidst growing wealth disparities across the world and an ever-widening rift between the rich and the poor, there is a pressing need for brand-conscious consumers to develop a sense of economic spirituality so that they can act more responsibly and empathetically in how they make purchases.

Discussion and Analysis

In itself, the idea of branding is self-evolving in nature. The author in this book explains his theory that the concept of branding is made out of pure human emotions. He stresses upon how it is all 'connected'. The concept of this book is about how the American society has ...