E. F. Schumacher

Small Is Beautiful

1. IDEA 1

   Economics should serve people

   Schumacher argues that modern economics measures success by output and growth, ignoring human wellbeing and the environment. He calls for economics as if people mattered, focusing on meaningful work and sustainable living.

2. IDEA 2

   Nature is capital, not income

   Schumacher argues that we treat natural resources like oil as income to spend, when they are really capital that cannot be replaced. Using them up is unsustainable. Spending it leaves little for the next generation.

3. IDEA 3

   Bigness has costs

   Schumacher criticises the obsession with large organisations and technologies. He believes smaller scales are often more humane. In his view, very large systems can make individuals feel powerless, while smaller ones let people see and understand what they do.

All 8 ideas from Small Is Beautiful →