Cooking, Karma and Capitalism

Imagine you are sitting in a restaurant and have just enjoyed a delicious dinner. You ask for the bill and open your wallet. Suddenly the waiter tells you: “That’s 0 Euro, this meal was a gift from another person. We invite you to pay a meal for the next guest.”

Karma, Baby!

This idea of Karma Kitchens has already been realized in many countries and they all work according to the principle pay-it-forward. The founder is Nipun Mehta. He has refused promising job prospects in Silicon Valley in search of purpose. He found it in the gift-economy and the principle of generosity.

Money (doesn’t) make you happy

Mehta’s idea is simple: “Our economy is based on money as capital. But there are other forms of capital, such as time, attention, or community.” He successfully implements his ideas in numerous projects.

Gross national happiness – an illusion?

Does Mehta’s idea also work in large systems? Legitimate question. The example of Bhutan shows that it is indeed possible. The kingdom of Bhutan in South Asia focusses on the happiness of the population since the 18th century. Gross national happiness is valued more important than gross domestic product. The basis of “happiness” consists of 4 pillars: social justice, culture, environment and politics. Since 2008, the population has been regularly asked about their well-being. The surveys are followed by changes that have a positive impact on the lives of Bhutans.

“It takes small steps for big changes,” says Nipun Mehta. He will tell us more about the meaning of community and giving at the Corporate Culture Jam. Do you want to jam with us on 21 and 22 May? Get discounted tickets with the code ID-790 and save 400 Euro. You can find the program here.

Would you like a taste?

Attention: With the Code ID-790  you only pay 790 Euros and save 400 Euros.