Currently Reading

Nature: An Economic History
Geerat J. Vermeij

it rocks
It might be an idea slightly ahead of its time - I say this because to my surprise my biologist friend bristled slightly at the mere thought of the conjunction of nature and economics.
But what is real sustainability but bringing the two together?

Here's a little sample just totally at random:

In other words, actions and codes that look as if they are designed for the common good emerge because they confer on their bearers or creators not only long-term advantages, but the kind of short-term advantages which natural selection can enhance. The long-term benefits cannot be selected for directly; natural selection is very much about advantages here and now, not in the distant future. Traits conferring long-term advantages emerge because they also work well in the lives of individuals and produce positive feedbacks that enhance the economic well-being for a large number of other participants in the economy. By creating a shared common interest, selfish benefits become traits for the common good.

One could chew on that little bit for quite a while...