You can find this book in the State Library here,
Productivity Commission has released an interim report on the Circular Economy
You can find this book in the State Library here,
E. F. Schumacher's
Small is Beautiful
E. F. Schumacher's 'Small is Beautiful' is a classic book that advocates for sustainable development and the importance of small-scale, local economies. Here are 10 key points from the book:
Appropriate Technology: Schumacher emphasizes the importance of using appropriate technology that suits the scale of the community or environment. He argues that technology should be human-centered and environmentally friendly.
Buddhist Economics: The book introduces the concept of Buddhist economics, which values sustainability, sufficiency, and non-violence. Schumacher contrasts it with conventional Western economics focused on growth and consumption.
Decentralization: Schumacher advocates for decentralization in economic and political systems. He believes that decision-making should be localized to empower communities and individuals.
Importance of Work: 'Small is Beautiful' highlights the significance of meaningful work that is not just a means to earn a living but also contributes to personal fulfillment and social well-being.
Human Scale: The book stresses the importance of human-scale development, where the size of organizations, enterprises, and technologies align with the needs and capacities of people.
Resource Conservation: Schumacher argues for the responsible use of resources and the need to conserve natural capital for future generations. He warns against the dangers of overexploitation and waste.
Education for Sustainability: 'Small is Beautiful' advocates for an education system that promotes values of sustainability, self-reliance, and ecological awareness among students.
Localism: Schumacher supports the idea of localism, where communities prioritize local production, consumption, and decision-making to enhance resilience and reduce dependence on distant sources.
Cultural Diversity: The book celebrates cultural diversity and warns against the homogenization of global culture due to economic globalization. Schumacher values the richness of local traditions and practices.
Beyond Materialism: Schumacher challenges the prevailing materialistic worldview and encourages a shift towards a more holistic understanding of well-being that considers spiritual, social, and environmental dimensions.
Honoring the 50th anniversary of E.F. Schumacher's book Small is Beautiful in 2023, the Schumacher Center commissioned this updated study guide from British author and Journalist David Boyle.