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1、Unit 8Text AEconomic Growth is a Path to Perdition, Not ProsperityI. Introduction 1 BackgroundThis is an interesting essay. It deals with a concept with which we are only too familiar: GDP. Until recently this has been almost our national obsession. We have all been united to strive for this goal, t
2、he goal of raising our GDP. For decades, it has been the measurement of our achievement, and the steady double-digit growth rate has transformed our country into a world economic power. It has filled us with pride and has earned the admiration and envy and awe of many nations. But now the author of
3、this article tells us that there are already many serious thinkers who believe that this obsession of GDP is wrong. He compares this idea to Charles Darwins theory of evolution at a time when the dominating myth was it was God who created everything.Come to think of it. GDP as a national goal indeed
4、 is a relatively recent turn of events. In our country it happened only as a result of the open and reform policy. And the underlining theory does seem to be sound to a certain degree. Our experience shows that high GDP does equal more profits, more jobs, more of everything for our consumption, and
5、more prestige, power, and glory for the nation. But the author of this essay challenges this basic assumption. First, he points out that the obsession of GDP leads to mindless consumerism. It results in the endless churning out of products which are unnecessary and useless (He could have added even
6、harmful). Secondly, he argues that GDP-oriented economy is unsustainable and it has already done great damage to human environment. Thirdly, he refutes the assertion that higher GDP is always a reliable indication of greater wellbeing and happiness. Speaking as an American, its interesting that the
7、author expresses his belief that this blind worship of GDP is inherently deeply rooted in the capitalist system because that system is dominated by the desire for more profit, for which the rich will leave no stone unturned. The author here is challenging the very foundation of the American society.
8、 Of course, in this essay he has neither the space nor intention to give a detailed analysis, let alone offer a well-conceived solution, but he ends the article on a very optimistic note: The economy is a human construct. Its not an act of God. We made it, we can change it.2 Structure3 Teaching tips
9、1) This essay is written in an argumentative style, lending itself for meaningful discussion or debate. 2) Make sure that we understand the authors views fully first, then try to present fairly the case for the opposite side. Try to imagine what proponents of GDP whom the author contemptuously refer
10、s to as free-market cheer-leaders, will say in their defense and also what staunch believers of science and technology might say on this issue.3) Encourage students to think originally and critically. Is the concept of GDP absolutely correct? If not, what are the problems? Is it completely wrong? If
11、 it is, can we strive for increasingly low GDP? If GDP is neither absolutely right nor completely wrong, where do we draw the line? What are the alternatives?4) Use the new insights we may find in this text to analyze the problems we are now confronted with in our own land. Try to achieve a better u
12、nderstanding of the new ideas or policies that have been developed and formed recentlyII. Detailed discussion of the text1. Economic Growth is a Path to Perdition, Not ProsperityIt means “Economic growth leads to hell, not prosperity”. Note the use of alliteration here (Path, perdition and prosperit
13、y all start with the letter “p”).2. feature writer for the New Internationalist magazinefeature: a prominent or extra article or story in a newspaper or periodical 特写the New Internationalist: a magazine that has articles about people in many different countries, and deals especially with the relatio
14、nship between rich and poor countries and the unfair or unequal ways in which some people and countries are treated.3. Charles Darwin was a rigorous, meticulous scientist. He spent nearly 20 years honing his analysis before publishing his groundbreaking work. Rigorous: Here it means exact, accurate,
15、 correct, precise, more or less synonymous with “meticulous:.Hone: to sharpen or to give an edge to a razor on a whetstone; Here it is used figuratively to mean to revise and polish until it is perfect4. Darwins slim volume was what we would call a “game changer,” a revolutionary work.Slim: thinWhat
16、 we would call: Notice the difference between “what we call” and “so-called”. The latter usually implies some disapproval. A “game changer”: a revolutionary, groundbreaking work; a work that changes the overall views of many scientific fields5. Darwin was sailing into choppy waters. The Church of England had set rigid boundaries, and his thesis was clearly a challenge to the orthodox view.Sailing into choppy waters: comi
