Since the early days, resistance to tyranny has been the most basic, but sometimes the most effective, legitimate way to oppose the injustice of political power. It is an instrument of action that has been complemented in recent centuries as well as sometimes replaced by civil disobedience. In particular, the option of the non-violence, when possible, seems to gain even more legitimacy.

However, in our time, we could consider economic powers, under which political appear to be de facto subjected, as responsible for the huge injustice. Moreover, the globalized capitalist economic system can be considered itself as unfair. But it does not stop there: this system, as well as the whole worldview that lies under this one and that supports our western societies, threats the continuing existence of the Humanity.

Degrowth as voluntary simplicity does not imply only a reversal of the values in the pursuit for a good living. It can also be considered as a way of resistance or non-violent disobedience to the modern productivist worldview ruled by instrumental reason. A resistance that can be extended to all spheres of our civilization (economic, political, social, legal, educative, techno-scientific…), and, ultimately, to its ideological and philosophical foundations.

This media entry was a contribution to the special session „Degrowth as resistance“ at the 5th International Degrowth Conference in Budapest in 2016.