Small Is Beautiful

About “Small Is Beautiful”

Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered is a collection of essays written by E. F. Schumacher and published in 1973. The book's title reflects a principle from Schumacher’s teacher, Leopold Kohr, which promoted small-scale technologies, policies, and political structures as a better alternative to the idea that bigger is always better. The work critiques mainstream economic thinking and emphasizes the importance of human well-being. It gained wider recognition during the 1970s, influenced by events like the 1973 energy crisis and the rise of globalization. In 1995, The Times Literary Supplement listed Small Is Beautiful among the 100 most influential books published since World War II. A revised edition with commentaries was released in 1999.