The world economy today is at an historical inflection point. The neoclassical (industrial) model of economics is self-destructing while a new life-mimicking model, based on radically different assumptions, is emerging. Although rarely acknowledged in economic journals, Nordic countries, which pioneered the life-mimicking model, have become world leaders in prosperity and productivity while those operating on the older neoclassical/industrial model are trapped in downward spirals. By approaching economies as sub-systems of life rather than super-systems that transcend life, we gain transformative insights. Such thinking led to the first circular economy experiments in Kalundborg (Denmark) during the 1970s, then quickly spread to the rest of the Nordic world. By placing a higher value on living assets (people and Nature) than on non-living capital assets, this approach generates harmony rather than exploitation and conflict. Because Nordic people feel vested in the system and responsible for its success, they are extraordinarily innovative and productive. That is why Nordic companies are regularly rated among the world’s most sustainable and profitable in their fields – even though their region holds less than half of one percent of the world’s population. Written in an accessible way for non-economists, the book is ideal for readers interested in the benefits of biomimicry and methods of guiding democratic countries along a proven path of self-renewal. Economies That Mimic Life will also provide useful background for corporate leaders in scenario planning and strategic thinking. Knowing which way the political-economic wind is blowing will become increasingly important to corporate survival. Review "What a nice surprise to learn of your book, which brings some sanity to the outmoded economic model that is always on life support at the expense of someone else's life! You appear to have cracked the code of what actually is a functional economy, one that serves society rather than the other way around." - William R. Moomaw, Professor Emeritus of International Environmental Policy, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University. Also a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. "The Nordics stand out in international surveys in diverse ways: most democratic, happiest peoples, best for business, most prosperous and most livable cities. Jay Bragdon now adds another perspective: economic structures that mimic nature – an approach that allows both people, nature and economy to thrive. Reading the book from within the Nordics, it is an eye-opener. Although the Nordics still have a long way to go with regards to living in harmony with nature, Bragdon provides a vocabulary and an understanding that allow us to see what we are already doing right and therefore need to do even more." - Lene Rachel Andersen, futurist, philosopher and author The Nordic Secret: A European Story of Beauty and Freedom. "We live at an epochal time, where one economic worldview is dying and another is being born. Countries that lead this Copernican Revolution generate the world’s highest living standards while lowering their ecological footprints. In keeping with the egalitarian, inclusive attributes of Nature, they are also rated as the world’s healthiest and freest democracies. Jay Bragdon's important and timely research in this venue reveals the future that is emerging today. It is prescient and practical, a must-read for those exploring new possibilities for our economies, businesses and civilization." - Giles Hutchins, author of The Nature of Business (2012), The Illusion of Separation (2014), Future Fit (2016) and co-author of Regenerative Leadership (2019). "Jay Bragdon is a consummate life long learner, systems thinker, model, and mentor for so many of us working with complex system change. His depth of understanding of, and the ability
