In 'Small Is Beautiful,' E. F. Schumacher challenges the conventional wisdom of large-scale industrialization, advocating instead for sustainable and human-centered economics. He explores the impacts of technology on society and argues for a more compassionate approach to economic development. Schumacher emphasizes the importance of small-scale enterprises and localized solutions, suggesting that true progress lies in self-sufficiency and ecological balance. His visionary ideas invite readers to rethink their values and priorities in a world driven by materialism and consumerism. This thought-provoking work inspires a deep reflection on what it means to live well and sustainably.
By E. F. Schumacher
Published: 2010
""Small is beautiful, but we must remember that it is the human scale that nurtures creativity, fosters community, and cultivates a sustainable future.""
Small Is Beautiful is Oxford-trained economist E. F. Schumacher’s classic call for the end of excessive consumption. Schumacher inspired such movements as “Buy Locally” and “Fair Trade,” while voicing strong opposition to “casino capitalism” and wasteful corporate behemoths. Named one of the Times Literary Supplement’s 100 Most Influential Books Since World War II, Small Is Beautiful presents eminently logical arguments for building our economies around the needs of communities, not corporations.
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“"Small is beautiful, but we must remember that it is the human scale that nurtures creativity, fosters community, and cultivates a sustainable future."”
Small Is Beautiful
By E. F. Schumacher
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
E. F. Schumacher (1911-1977) was a renowned British economist and a prominent advocate for sustainable development. Best known for his influential work 'Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered' (1973), Schumacher challenged the conventional notions of economic growth and the overemphasis on large-scale industrialization. His writing is characterized by a clear, accessible prose that merges economic theory with ethical considerations and humanistic values. He also authored 'Good Work' and several essays that delve into the relationship between economics, the environment, and quality of life. Schumacher's holistic approach to economics has inspired a range of movements advocating for sustainable and equitable economic practices.
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