Monasticism and economy: rediscovering an approach to work and poverty

Recent decades, in the context of a global and highly developed economy, seem to come back to the monastic ethos of economy. The Rule of S. Benedict and the history of monasticism have proved to be an excellent inspiration for people in business. Many monasteries actively and creatively participate, not only in local economic projects – as important tourist and cultural centres – but also as important employers. Monastic gastronomy and, usually organic, food products have become a base for a special culture for a modern, sobre and frugal style of being and welfare. The sharing economy and collaborative consumption seem to be an amazing application of monastic style in the practices of modern Western society. In this sense monasticism is really contributing to an understanding of economy as an ecologically friendly form of human brotherhood.