"In order to emerge from the present financial
and economic crisis – which has engendered ever
greater inequalities – we need people, groups and
institutions which will promote life by fostering human
creativity, in order to draw from the crisis itself
an opportunity for discernment and for a new
economic model. The predominant model of recent
decades called for seeking maximum profit and consumption,
on the basis of an individualistic and selfish
mindset, aimed at considering individuals solely
in terms of their ability to meet the demands of
competitiveness. Yet, from another standpoint, true
and lasting success is attained through the gift of
ourselves, our intellectual abilities and our entrepreneurial
skills, since a “liveable” or truly human economic
development requires the principle of gratuitousness as an expression of fraternity and the logic
of gift.
Concretely, in economic activity, peacemakers
are those who establish bonds of fairness and
reciprocity with their colleagues, workers, clients
and consumers. They engage in economic activity
for the sake of the common good and they experience
this commitment as something transcending
their self-interest, for the benefit of present and future
generations. Thus they work not only for themselves,
but also to ensure for others a future and a
dignified employment."
