48. DOING GOOD WITH BUSINESS

The prevailing opinion is that business cannot succeed without a cold, dollars-first, impersonal approach. But a profitable end cannot justify any and all means. The power to affect the world that comes along with business transactions can result in a tyranny that can ruin health and the planet.
 
Modern business attitudes can mimic addictive behavior. Addicts first lie to themselves, then they lie to their families or their organizations, then they lie to the world. The lie to self is that amassing fortune will bring meaning or purpose to life. The lie to family and organization is that money should be life's only duty. The lie to the world, through advertising and marketing, is that business endeavors that create worthless and harmful products should be supported.
 
Profit-driven business addicts, like street addicts, cannot feel the world around them and thus they are numb to the impact of their irresponsible behavior. The high from their money fixes keeps them coming back for more and more. The euphoria of prestige and materialistic gewgaws feeds a never-ending destructive cycle.
 
There are finite resources on Earth. So why should anybody be able to have at them with the only qualification being money? The anything goes, free market heyday has consequences. Not only does it consume planetary life support, it will ultimately result in economic destruction since it creates an artificial economy based upon dead-end businesses and dead-end jobs.1
 
On the other hand, it is possible to interject conscience into virtually any business endeavor. It begins with the motive of leaving a better world behind after one's footprint. Consumers who encourage businesses that are environmentally ruinous by purchasing their products, buying their stock, or working for them are culpable as well. It is encouraging that an increasing segment of thinking consumers thirst for better options and will even pay a premium for them. Note the rise in popularity of organic foods, recycled products, energy efficient cars and appliances, and natural alternative medical therapies.
 
Consumers have a right to look to business for leadership and direction. In turn, business has the responsibility to become expert in their field and lead consumers to healthy and environmentally responsible choices, not merely to follow market whims.2
 
Business is actually like a gift, a wonderful opportunity to make a better world. Business leaders should view the profits they create not as an end, but as a by-product of the good that is being achieved and as fuel to do more of the same. When seen in this light, business is a serious, even solemn responsibility and opportunity. It is not so much a chance to be profitable, but to be human.

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