What extent is Schumacher’s ecologism anachronistic Essay Example

addresses the negative consequences of relying on non-renewable resources, specifically oil, and references the economic effects of OPEC's oil monopoly. Additionally, the author mentions Schumacher's prediction regarding a political crisis in the West, which is now seen as accurate due to the recent Gulf War. The author argues against prioritizing the economic value of resources over their moral and environmental implications. Even though non-renewable resources like oil are inexpensive, abundant, and efficient, it is crucial to consider the harm and unsustainability associated with their utilization. Despite this notion being outdated, the global economy remains hesitant to shift away from indispensable non-renewable resources.

Schumacher raises concerns about the potential dangers of nuclear energy, despite its high efficiency and popularity in Western countries. He believes that it poses a significant threat to human life due to the extensive ionising pollution it produces and the long-lasting radioactivity of its by-products. This poses a problem for future generations, which goes against ecologism's focus on valuing the well-being of future environments. Schumacher even argues that the accumulation of toxic substances is a more serious offense against life than any crime. However, political actions in Iran and increasing awareness of nuclear proliferation are starting to change society's and government's perspective on this issue, as shown by the British government's decision to build a large offshore wind farm.

Once again, it is crucial to take into account the ecosystem when developing energy solutions because all living beings should be ethically considered. Regarding governance, Schumacher advocates for reducing oppressive authoritarian regimes that neglect the unique requirements of local regions. Communities must solely depend on their own resources and be constrained by them. Schumacher underscores the

significance of downsizing our systems to better correspond with our necessities.

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves confined to a small community within work or family. However, it is crucial to recognize the presence of a larger organization that promotes unity among all humans and works towards achieving peace. Schumacher emphasizes that the worth of individuals' lives lies in the coherence and unity of their endeavors. Hence, we should prioritize personal growth to positively impact our surroundings. The notion of spirituality, both internally and in connection with nature, is an essential aspect explored in Schumacher's writings.

Despite the decline of the hippy movement in the 1970s, which was believed to mark the end of widespread spirituality, new ageism remains present today. Schumacher shares this international perspective and identifies mass unemployment and mass migration in cities as the primary challenges faced by developing countries. He supports education, organization, and discipline as crucial elements for creating a successful economic structure. According to Schumacher, current approaches like foreign aid and development have been unsuccessful in stabilizing the third world. Instead, he believes that providing employment is a key factor in economic planning and suggests utilizing intermediate technology in smaller rural communities.

Schumacher discusses the issues present in India, using it as a case study to exemplify the current problems. He proposes a four-point plan to establish workplaces in rural rather than urban areas, emphasizing the importance of affordability without extensive capital requirements, simplicity in production methods with minimal skill requirements, and utilization of local materials. However, the pursuit of profit maximization and the exploitation of labor forces by developing countries like China hinder the implementation of these changes. Schumacher

also explores the role of big business in this context.

According to Schumacher, environmentalists mainly aim to restrict the activities of profit-seeking corporations. He argues that big technology is destructive to nature and has surpassed the ability of both nature and humanity to handle it. Therefore, we need to shift our focus away from turnover and GNP, which Schumacher deems as unfair and unreliable measures of our well-being. Instead, he believes that human beings can only thrive in small and cohesive groups.

Only when we address the underlying issues in our society - poverty, industrialization, and oversized businesses - can we truly make a change. Schumacher firmly believes that education is the ultimate solution to these problems, though some argue that the reality of Cuba disproves this belief. When critiquing this book, it is important to recognize the various interpretations that arise from different political theories. Each theory focuses on different aspects of Schumacher's work. For example, conservatives reject his extreme environmentalism and view it as an anti-human perspective. They completely oppose the radical reorganization of society and business. As Burke emphasizes, "government is a contrivance of human wisdom to meet human needs"9.

Conservatives disregard environmental concerns and question the idea of utopianism in ecology, considering it dangerous. They believe that preserving human-made artifacts is important because it is easier to demolish than to build. Consequently, they find Schumacher's desire to transform political and economic structures and change lifestyles completely unacceptable. Like conservatives, liberals also criticize ecologism for overemphasizing the natural aspect and neglecting the human component. They deem it unscientific and irrational, especially regarding the spiritual aspect of Schumacher's work.

Cornucopian liberals argue that nature is not fragile

or finite, which leads them to support pollution and less environmentally friendly policies. They view Schumacher's ecology as an attack on individual rights. Nonetheless, they do agree to some extent that political decisions should be made at the local level for maximum impact. On the other hand, socialists criticize Schumacher for disregarding human issues such as inequality and for misunderstanding the root problems of our society. According to them, it is capitalism and not industry that is the source of evil. Overall, the criticism against Schumacher largely revolves around the perceived lack of rationality in his works.

They assert that he has abandoned his practicality and perception of reality in favor of a spiritual paradise and believes that there is no such thing as nature without human involvement. Therefore, we must acknowledge humans' responsibility for taking care of the environment and consider it an essential component. Though his ideas clash with a society that has become more materialistic and focused on consumption, mainstream political parties are gradually adopting many of his policies to cater to the increasing green sympathies in our societies. The post-industrial era, with its prosperous western economy and abundance of advertising, has led to both excess disposable income and a social trend of throwaway consumerism.

Both in state and commercial contexts, we have permitted economics to become malevolent and damaging once it surpasses its intended limits. The excessive dependence on economics has led to a prioritization of maximizing profit at the cost of the environment. Instead of seeking sustainable and enduring solutions, we have opted for hasty remedies such as nuclear energy that give rise to their own issues. Although Schumacher's concepts were molded

by a distinct era and culture, they communicate an eternal message: every life form holds significance, hence deserving meticulous consideration.

Despite our society's obsession with gigantism, we must not forget this crucial truth: Mother Nature will always endure, but it is our own greed and ignorance that will ultimately cause the downfall of humanity.