Common good: A farewell to pure profit

A look at history reveals very early and cross-cultural approaches to incorporating the common good into society, be it in philosophy, state theory or economics. Written references can already be found in antiquity, for example in Cicero, who stated: “The good of the people should be the supreme law.”

Especially at a time when a “simple” virus has managed to clearly highlight shortcomings in a global economy trimmed for efficiency, this old idea is coming back into focus. It is about nothing less than the development of an economic system that is both sustainable and fit for the future. A system that does not just focus on profit, but places ethical principles at the heart of entrepreneurial activity. I would like to remind you that the common good is already firmly linked to property in Article 14 (2) of the German Basic Law.

However, despite this constitutional basis, an uninhibited economy that ultimately only pursues the goal of growth has caused great social imbalance, environmental destruction and climate change. A reorientation towards ethical values is therefore more than sensible. Human dignity, solidarity and justice, ecological sustainability as well as transparency and cooperation are the pivotal points by which proponents of the economy for the common good want to measure and steer the economy. A reorientation of corporate and, to some extent, political and social values in line with social criteria would mean investing in a future without refugee flows and rainforest deforestation. It is obvious that such a development would benefit everyone.

However, as with any theory, the touchstone is the possibility of implementation. How can the ideas of the Economy for the Common Good be incorporated into the existing economic system? To implement its goals, the movement proposes, among other things, the integration of companies, educational institutions and communities according to a points system. Depending on the contribution that the institutions make, a common good balance sheet can be calculated, which consumers can use as a guide. In addition, the balance sheet is to be linked to tangible benefits for the respective institutions, for example. Many companies are already supporting the movement in regional groups or associations, including the sustainable and innovative outdoor outfitter VAUDE and Ecosia GmbH, which plants trees with the proceeds from the search engine of the same name.