14 OCT 2024 · This excerpt from Ugo Bardi's "Limits and Beyond" is a reflection on the 50th anniversary of the Club of Rome's seminal work "The Limits to Growth." The text examines the historical context of the original report, its reception, the criticisms it received, and its continued relevance in the 21st century. The text explores the concept of "limits to growth" as a crucial factor in understanding the decline of civilizations, highlighting the potential for global collapse due to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and unsustainable population growth. Bardi's work provides a framework for understanding the systemic nature of these challenges and the urgent need for transformative change in our economic and social systems. The authors call for a shift in our understanding of progress and development, moving away from a singular focus on economic growth and towards a more holistic approach centered on human well-being and planetary health. The text examines various proposals for a more sustainable future, including Bhutan’s model of Gross National Happiness, the concept of a “Solidarity Capitalism,” and the importance of embracing "no limits to learning." Throughout, the text emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in our understanding of the world, characterized by greater awareness of interdependence, empathy, and a reconnection with the natural world.