June 1 — 5, 2009
George McRobie, Satish Kumar, David Boyle
The ideas expressed in Small is Beautiful are as relevant today as they were 36 years ago. As economies and the application of technology expand, the need to question this growth and our concepts of scale and development becomes more urgent.
“Are there not indeed enough ‘signs of the times’ to indicate a new start is needed?” E.F Schumacher, Small is Beautiful (P.58)
The course aims to encourage a deep appreciation of the ideas expressed in Schumacher’s work and how these concepts can be applied in the 21st century. The programme will combine theory, practice and reflection through the unique learning environment of Schumacher College.
Already booked on the course? Click here for course resources
Participants will immerse themselves in Schumacher’s philosophy and social critique in the company of people who knew him and his work well. They will explore the legacy of Schumacher’s theories and how they apply in today’s world. How can social values play a role in economic systems? How can technology be used appropriately? What kind of “development” is desirable? Which ideals should we encourage within a context of continuing social and economic change?
Participants will embody the practice of living small and beautifully within the Schumacher College community. There will be opportunities for meditation and reflection on the role of spirituality in daily life, as well as bread making – one of E.F. Schumacher’s favourite activities.
This course is intended for: social change agents, economists, activists, ethical entrepreneurs, academics, students and individuals with an interest in the work, philosophy or economics of E.F. Schumacher or Schumacher inspired organisations.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
George McRobie is the author of Small is Possible, which describes organisations throughout the world that are trying to turn Schumacher’s vision into reality. He was a friend and colleague of E.F. Schumacher for 20 years, and was co-founder of Practical Action (previously known as Intermediate Technology).
Satish Kumar undertook an 8,000 mile peace pilgrimage, walking from India to America without any money to deliver packets of peace tea to leaders of the four nuclear powers. In 1973, he settled in England, becoming editor of Resurgence magazine – a position he has held ever since. Satish is the guiding spirit behind a number of ecological, spiritual and educational ventures in Britain and was one of the founders of Schumacher College.
David Boyle is an associate of the new economics foundation, a think tank in London which pioneers human-scale economic thinking. His work on the future of money has been covered in books and pamphlets like Why London Needs its own Currency (nef, 2000), The Money Changers: Currency reform from Aristotle to e-cash (Earthscan, 2002) and The Little Money Book (Alastair Sawday, 2003).
For businesses: One week £1,200.
For individuals, NGOs, Educational & Public Sector Organisations: One week £700.
All course fees include accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions.
Book your place now! – click here to access our on-line booking system
Book by fax or mail! – click here to find out how
Discounts
10% for residents of South West England
10% Spring Deal if you book your place(s) by 6 March 2009
20% with five or more people coming from the same organisation on the same course
(only one discount applicable per booking)
For further information about Schumacher College please see About the College
To provisionally reserve a place for 5 days, email us your contact details and the name of the course admin@schumachercollege.org.uk
We will hold the place for five working days for reservations – three weeks before a course or earlier. After five days we will automatically offer your place to someone else if we have not received your application.
