Japanese philosopher and political economist Kohei Saito is one of the world’s best-known economic visionaries. His book “Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto” sold over half a million copies in Japan alone.
In his upcoming book [German title: Am Ende des Fortschritts], he now draws a sobering conclusion: parts of the environment that ensured our prosperity have already been destroyed. Authoritarian powers and wars are spreading across the world, while economic growth in the Global North is stagnating. Our future will be shaped not by progress, but by scarcity, destabilization and natural disasters. Saito’s answer to this is radical and uncomfortable: an innovative planned economy that focuses on survival rather than growth. A conversation about the end of the myth of progress and the question of which freedoms we can still salvage from the ruins of capitalism. Translation: Sarah King; host: Gert Scobel

Contributors

Gert Scobel © 3sat/ZDF Uli Lenz

Gert Scobel

Born in Aachen in 1959, Gert Scobel is one of Germany’s most renowned s… This text was shortened for this overview. Follow the more-link to read the full text.

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Kohei Saito © Bettina Theuerkauf/laif

Kohei Saito

In Bearbeitung... This text was shortened for this overview. Follow the more-link to read the full text.

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Sarah King © Jessylee Photographie _ Jessica Meier

Sarah King

Sarah King is a native German speaker and lives in Cologne with her… This text was shortened for this overview. Follow the more-link to read the full text.

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Books

Am Ende des Fortschritts

Am Ende des Fortschritts

Kohei Saito
Übersetzung aus dem Japanischen von Gregor Wakounig
dtv

978-3-423-28534-6

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Event data

  • Date:

    Tuesday
    09. June 2026
    18:00

  • Pre € 30 | 26 (ermäßigt)

    Eve Evening fund price € 34 | 30 (ermäßigt)

  • COMEDIA Theater
    Roter Saal

    Vondelstraße 4-8
    Köln-Südstadt

    Google Maps

  • Accessibility

    • Induction loop Available
    • Wheelchair-accessible Available
    • Assistance dogs welcome Available
Unterstützt von:
Udo Keller Stiftung - Forum Humanum
 
Identity Foundation - Gemeinnützige Stiftung für Philosophie
 
Imhoff Stiftung
Medienpartner:
WDR5