Under capitalism, we have consistently sought to raise the GDP in the belief that economic growth brings prosperity to everyone. Yet this prosperity has yet to arrive for the average person. In truth, the GDP is an extremely superficial indicator developed around a hundred years ago, and one that has enormous statistical limitations. Given how much we've progressed since then, why are we still allowing ourselves to be manipulated by this crude measure? As its antithesis, degrowth emphasizes forms of prosperity and quality of life that aren't necessarily reflected in the GDP. Degrowth is a transition from quantity (growth) to quality (flourishing). It's a grand plan to transform the economy to a model that prioritizes the shrinking of the economic gap, the expansion of social security and the maximization of free time, all while respecting planetary boundaries. Therefore, if new coal-burning plants continue to be built, as they are in Japan, degrowth is not taking place. If growth is stalling but the gap between the rich and the poor is still widening, degrowth is not taking place. Even if production shrinks, the resulting rise in unemployment is a far cry from 'maximizing free time'. What needs to be reduced is the number of SUVs and the amount of beef and fast fashion being consumed, not funding for education, social security and the arts.

— Slow Down by Kōhei Saitō (Page 84)