Abstract

Years after his death, the ideas of E.F. Schumacher still resonate through the environmental movement. With deep spiritual vision and rejection of Western materialism and economic exploitation, Schumacher saw the need to give societies, communities and individuals practical tools for change. He is best known for his book Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered, which became an international best-seller. Both activist and philosopher, his concerns included economics, energy, farming, industry and the inner life of human beings. He was for many years Chief Economist to the Coal Board, and latterly Chairman of the Soil Association; he also originated the concept of intermediate technology. His enduring influence has been recognised by the setting up in 1992 of Schumacher College, an international college for ecological and spiritual values, and the Schumacher Society, which was established in 1977.