'Affluenza is that strange desire we feel to spend money we don't have to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't know...'

Dear Friends

You are invited to the launch of our Chief Economist Richard Denniss’ new book Curing Affluenza to be launched by Chief Minister of the ACT, Andrew Barr MLA.

This is a special moment in Australia’s economic and political debate and an important occasion for The Australia Institute.

Curing Affluenza is set to reshape how economics is thought of and discussed: it is a book to change minds and change politics.

We are delighted and honoured that the Chief Minister of one of Australia’s most forward thinking jurisdictions will launch the book at our new(ish) offices in Manuka, Canberra.

I and the whole team here at the Australia Institute would be delighted if you could join us.

Ben Oquist
Executive Director, The Australia Institute

A truly modern affliction, affluenza is endemic in Western societies, encouraged by those who profit from a culture of exploitation and waste. So how do we cure ourselves?

In his new book, Curing Affluenza, Richard Denniss shows we must distinguish between consumerism, the love of buying things, which is undeniably harmful to to us and the planet, and materialism, the love of things, which can in fact be beneficial. We should cherish the things we own -- preserve them, repair them, and then gift or sell them when we no longer need them. 

‘Richard Denniss is the freshest economic thinker I know, brimming with ideas, challenging old views and finding new opportunities for progress. In this path-breaking book he shows how we can stop abusing the natural environment without great economic cost.’ 
—Ross Gittins