The Collaborative Economy: The End of Capitalism and the Zero-Cost Era

Jeremy Rifkin's article explores the economic transformation leading to the decline of capitalism and the rise of the collaborative economy. Central to his analysis is zero marginal costs, which are revolutionizing production and distribution, rendering traditional business models obsolete. Rifkin presents a vision of the future in which the sharing of resources, knowledge, and infrastructure, supported by the Internet of Things and blockchain technology, becomes the dominant paradigm. The concept of Homo Empathicus replaces Homo Economicus, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community. The text also explores the philosophical and anthropological implications of this shift, including redefining progress and values, and the evolution of human relationships in the context of sustainable abundance.