The Future As If People Mattered with E.F. Schumacher, CBE

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In this transformative lecture from 1977 held in San Rafael, California, renowned economist and philosopher E.F. Schumacher presents a compelling vision for shifting towards sustainable living. Critiquing the modern reliance on large-scale technologies and fossil fuels, Schumacher advocates for smaller, localized solutions that align more closely with natural ecosystems. He emphasizes community-based initiatives, highlighting the inefficiencies and societal challenges posed by large organizations. Schumacher introduces two contrasting approaches to problem-solving: the "forward stampede," which depends heavily on complex technologies, and the "homecomers" approach, which stresses harmony with nature. He argues for the adoption of decentralized, renewable energy sources and underscores the roles of biological agriculture and passive solar energy in reducing consumption and fostering sustainability. Concerns about the environmental and social consequences of modern technology lead him to advocate for non-violent, human-scale solutions. He calls for a more equitable distribution of resources and population, recognizing the significance of individual action in driving meaningful change. Throughout the lecture, Schumacher champions a revival of community spirit and simpler technologies as pathways to a sustainable and humane future, urging listeners to support these efforts through collective and individual actions. (Introduced by Phil Catalfo)

Bio

E.F. Schumacher, CBE (1911-1977) was a German economist and statistician notable for his work in sustainable development and appropriate technology. Schumacher’s ideas have influenced the sustainable development movement worldwide.

He is the author of:

• Small People: The Study of Economics as if People Mattered (1973) 
• A Guide for the Perplexed (1977) 
• Good Work (1979) 

Topics explored in this dialogue include: 

• The inefficiencies of large-scale technologies and the benefits of smaller, localized alternatives
• The role of community-based solutions and the importance of fostering a new sense of community
• The critique of fossil fuel dependency and the advocacy for renewable energy
• Methods to engage with nature harmoniously through biological agriculture and water management
• The polarization between rich and poor, and strategies for addressing these disparities
• Individual and collective actions needed to transition towards sustainable living

Host: Phil Catalfo        Interview Date:  6/25/1977               Program Number: 1152