Reimagining Economics: ‘The Wealth of Gaia’ by Eve Smith
Collectively rewriting Adam Smith.
What would economics look like if it reflected the realities of today’s interconnected global challenges? This is the question driving The Wealth of Gaia, a bold reimagining of Adam Smith’s seminal The Wealth of Nations.
Co-created by a multigenerational group of students, researchers, and practitioners who collectively call themselves Eve Smith, the project challenges the status quo while proposing fresh approaches rooted in collaboration, ecofeminism, and bioregionalism.
We recently spoke with four key members of Eve Smith:
- Naz Kaya, a high school student at the American School in London, who brings a fresh generational perspective to the project.
- Erdem Cansızoğlu, a master’s student in Economic Development at the University of Glasgow, who explores alternative economic models through a critical academic lens.
- Ayşe Defne Korğalı, a high school student in Turkiye, who combines a passion for circular economics with a talent for creative writing.
- Uygar Özesmi, a 2024 Post Growth Fellow, founder of Good4Trust.org, and chair of the Prosumer Economy Society, who advocates for ecologically and socially just economic systems.
Together, they’re tackling the immense task of rewriting economics to reflect the urgent needs of the 21st century. In a world facing climate crises, rising inequality, and entrenched patriarchal and colonial systems, The Wealth of Gaia offers an alternative vision of how economies can work for people and the planet.
Our conversation explored the process behind their collaborative writing, and their vision for transforming economics into a tool for equity and resilience. Listen here or read an adapted version of the transcript below.
Natalie Holmes, PGI (host): Let’s dive straight in to ‘The Wealth of Gaia’ — can you explain what the book is about?
Naz: The Wealth of Gaia is a reimagining of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. Instead of focusing on market dynamics and labour, we’ve shifted the focus to sustainability and social equity.
Today, climate change is one of the biggest issues we face, and our book explores how economies can work in harmony with the environment. But it’s not just about climate change — we also address other systemic problems, like how Adam Smith overlooked the role of women in economics.
We want this book to be timeless and accessible, not just for today’s readers but for future generations as well.
What led to the idea of writing this book?
Uygar: It all started with young people. When I spoke at panels or gave speeches, I’d often hear from young, non-binary people who’d tell me, “We’re studying economics, but all we’re learning about are ideas from old white men. It’s outdated, and it doesn’t reflect the realities we’re facing.”
That frustration stayed with me. Eventually, I thought: What if we rewrote The Wealth of Nations for today’s world? That’s where the name The Wealth of Gaia came from.
But then I asked myself: “Who am I to write this? I’m just another old white man.” That’s when I realized this book needed to be written collaboratively, by women, non-binary people, and younger generations. So, I put out a call, and this incredible group came together.
Many disciplines have evolved over time, but economics remains entrenched in outdated frameworks. Why do you think that is?
Uygar: Economics is part of the system it describes, and universities are shaped by the powers that fund them. They’re not independent — they’re tools of the system. That’s why traditional economics, rooted in colonial and patriarchal models, remains dominant.
But change is possible. Younger generations, like those in this collective, are questioning the status quo and introducing new ideas. Academia is starting to shift as more of these voices come to the forefront.
This project is deeply collaborative, and it spans generations. How has that shaped the book?
Naz: All of us grew up with an acute awareness of climate change. It’s been part of our lives since kindergarten, which makes our perspective different from older generations. This urgency is why our book is so radical — we’re not tied to traditional norms.
Ayşe Defne: The collaborative process is incredible. Whenever I’m stuck, I can call a teammate or bring my ideas to our monthly Zoom meetings. Their feedback always inspires me. It’s not just writing — it’s about creating something together.
Naz: Everyone brings their unique voice to the table, and that diversity makes the book richer.
Can you share more about how ecofeminism informs your work?
Ayşe Defne: For me, being a feminist is essential. Growing up in a conservative environment, it was hard to express ideas about gender equality. Later, I started connecting environmental issues to capitalism and patriarchy, and I realized how deeply intertwined they are.
Capitalism and patriarchy both concentrate power among wealthy white men, oppressing everyone else. Our book imagines a world where equality and sustainability replace domination.
Erdem: In places like Turkey, where I’m from, it’s even harder to live authentically as a queer person. That struggle gives queer and non-binary people a unique perspective — and a strong desire for radical change.
How does ‘The Wealth of Gaia’ connect with post-growth principles?
Naz: One key idea is rejecting the obsession with growth that dominates traditional economics. Instead, we focus on ecological resilience and community-led economies.
Uygar: We’re also rethinking the nation-state. Why should economies follow artificial borders? Nature doesn’t work that way. Bio-regionalism — aligning economies with local ecosystems — creates diversity and resilience.
Naz: Another concept we explore is complementary currencies. Each bio-region could have its own currency to strengthen local economies and reduce global dependence.
Uygar: It’s all about learning from nature. In a rainforest, everything exists in balance. We need economies that reflect that interconnectedness.
If you could redesign economics education, what would it look like?
Naz: I’d introduce courses on eco-economics that emphasize time, community, and sustainability over profit and extraction.
Erdem: Mainstream economics needs a pluralistic approach. We should integrate indigenous practices, feminist economics, and ecological perspectives. This would break the dominance of Western capitalist models.
Uygar: Diversity is key. Just like in nature, where diversity fosters resilience, our education systems should embrace multiple models and solutions.
Where are you in the writing process, and what do you need to move forward?
Uygar: We’re about a third of the way through. We’ve made great progress, but we’re looking for an agent or publisher to help bring this project to the world. If anyone listening can help connect us with the right people, please reach out. You can contact us on eve@turetimekonomisi.org, through evesmith.org, or via the Post Growth Institute.
Inspired by this conversation? Here are some ideas for what you can do next:
- Find out more and sign up for updates about The Wealth of Gaia at evesmith.org
- If you know an agent and/or publisher who can help bring this book into the world, contact us!
- Find out more about the Post Growth Institute and sign up for our monthly Full Circle newsletter.
