Small is Beautiful

Firstly, I have to apologise because I haven’t blogged for two weeks, naughty person that I am! I had extra time off over the Bank Holiday and as a result my halo has slipped, I’m sorry.

However, I can report that the simple and effective method of the library texting when my book was ready really worked and within two days! I collected the first book - 'Small is Beautiful' by E. F. Shumacher - which promised to encourage the reader to think hard about their lifestyle and cost to the environment. It certainly did that. I found myself becoming more and more depressed as I read the detailed text. I must admit that is isn't the easiest of reads. But never the less it investigates some important stuff, that although it was written over twenty years ago is still relevant - perhaps event more so today. It was with stark contrast that I spent my holiday sitting in the garden enjoying the sunshine, fresh air and bird song that I read about the perils of over farming the earths finite resources.

Take for example the idea that economists shouldn't be ruling the world. What if we weren't striving for a better GNP or profits and growth. But instead were were striving for human health, wealth and happiness, for peace, for everyone to have a role in their community, for nil unemployment. It certainly puts a different complexion on things doesn't it?

A case in hand, congestion charges. Instead of putting these charges in to place and thinking that will solve the problem - always fiscal you notice courtesy of the economists - what if we considered why people were travelling into cities and clogging them up? Commuting is a phenomenon of modern working, especially in the UK - not in Spain. The Spanish still have their siestas, but we couldn't do that because we have to travel on average an hour from where we live, so it wouldn't be practical. Therefore the Spanish live and work in the same local area and the roads are a dream to drive on. In this age of technology and ease of communication most people could work from home - like me and Tony - and there wouldn't be the need to have congestion charges. Tell me if you think I'm an idealist!

I don't think the book said anything new in particular, but it crystalised various thoughts. Hopefully, with the sway in public opinion and individuals actively making changes we are starting to see some of Shumachers pleas answered. But we have a long way to go and now even less time to do it in.

I recommend this read if you are serious.