Authentic development can never be attained solely through economic means. In fact, what has become known as the “idolatry of the market”—a consequence of the so-called civilization of consumption—tends to reduce persons to things and to subordinate being to having. This seriously detracts from the dignity of the human person and makes promotion of human solidarity difficult at best. Instead, recognition of the spiritual nature of the human person and a renewed appreciation of the moral character of social and economic development must be acknowledged as prerequisites for the transformation of society into a true civilization of love.”
Pope John Paul II
“Beware the ‘Idolatry of the Market'” from Zenit (April 29, 2003)
