A profound crisis emerges from the relentless pursuit of economic growth, clashing with the sustainability of human and planetary health and leading to environmental degradation and a surge in mental health issues, such as eco grief. This situation, exacerbated by societal denial of the destructive impact of current economic practices on the planet, calls for an urgent rethinking and transformation of economic progress concepts.

Therefore, Kees and Shinta ask: might economies become healing spaces to restore what seems sensible, relevant, and natural? If so, the solution cannot lie in traditional economic reforms, but will require a fundamental cultural shift toward a new narrative of "thriving" that respects the interdependence between humanity and the natural world.

The authors argue that our dominant economic story is slowly being challenged by something more powerful: a grand cultural shift from wealth accumulation to life affirmation, carried by an emerging recognition that the thriving of humanity and the natural world is non-negotiable - marking a shift from a capitalist consciousness to an existential economics, based on ecological consciousness.

Thrive provides insights into alternative approaches to economics that are sustainable and just for both society and the planet in the long term. In twenty-four essays, internationally renowned economic thinkers like Kate Raworth, Charles Eisenstein, Clair Brown, Helena Norberg-Hodge and Daniel C. Wahl share the alternatives that are available to us such as doughnut economics, wellbeing economics, common good economics, regenerative economics, buddhist economics, commons economics, local economics, bioregional economics, indigenous economics and degrowth economics. Each of these approaches provides a realistic and enticing vision of a thriving future.

The objective of the book is to identify the fundamentals for a new narrative that shifts our economic model from a growth-centric, extractive approach to one valuing agency, relational selves, and the right relationship with the environment. True prosperity for the authors comes not from dominating and exploiting natural resources but from recognizing and nurturing our intrinsic connection to all living beings, by enacting our agency to experience what it means to have real purpose and to make a valuable contribution.

Inspired by the resilience and mutual support observed in forest ecosystems, the paradigm of existential economics is adopted to highlight the importance of transitioning from individualistic, competitive behaviors to collective, sustainable practices. This shift is rooted in the understanding that a thriving future depends on our ability to foster economic systems that emulate the ecological balance and reciprocity found in nature, thereby promoting a harmonious coexistence with the earth.

"Thrive" presents readers with an invigorating exploration of alternative economic paradigms, infused with a spirit of hope and compassion. Offering a diverse and compelling array of perspectives, the book serves as essential reading for those seeking to envision a world where prosperity is synonymous with collective well-being.