Classic Appropriate Technology Vision, May 25, 2000 This is one book that adds the perspective of the wider World (not just the technologically elite), when making decisions on engineering/business solutions (as well as other resource allocation decisions). When striving towards best solutions, some engineers & consultants may favour technology complexity and quality, when simplicity and fit-for-purpose are optimal. This book provides some inspiration and building blocks, to be coupled with the usual simulation toolkit including systems analysis, enabling development and implementation of appropriate solutions. Similarly, the book appeals to a much wider audience that can embrace such values in day to day life. The inspirational well-written contents cover: *Part I- The modern world- problem of production, peace and permanence, role of economics, Buddhist economics, and a question of size. *Part II- resources- education, proper use of land, resources for industry, nuclear energy, and technology with a human face. *Part III_ the third world- development, social and economic problems requiring intermediate technology, two million villages, and the problem of unemployment in India. *Part IV- organisation and ownership- a machine to foretell the future, towards a theory of large-scale organisation, socialism, ownership and new patterns of ownership. Improvements could include up-to-date case studies (perhaps including material from VSO) showing the benefits of the approach; and an update on where intermediate technology is today. Note- the book 'Flexible Specialisation' by Pedersen et al (ISBN 1853392170 publ.1994) provides some such case studies for Africa, Asia and Mexico. Personally, this reviewer was inspired by the book to lead an undergraduate team project with Intermediate Technology (the company) and Sri Lankan men designing and implementing a self-build fretsaw for educational toys in 1991. Overall a stimulating, worthwhile addition to any library. Another review... Economists are people who spend half of their time foretelling what will happen, and the other half explaining why what they foresaw didn't happen, right? Well, not Fritz Shumacher. Today, in 2001, "Small Is Beautiful" is 25 years old, and almost every single prediction in the book, from the power, deshumanization, and cross-borders character of corporation, to the threat to the environment, to the ineffectiveness of liberalism in addressing the problems of the developing world, have become true. Of special interest are the chapters that deal with adoption of technology, and the role of technology in development. In Schumacher's insights may lie the key to making development an inherent process of each society, instead of an external, massive, and rarely effective effort. The last few chapters, about "socializing" large corporations, may be somewhat utopian in today's world, but still merit reflection. Shumacher died soon after having published his book, so he didn't have the opportunity of spreading or developing his work. Still, this is a must read for anyone interested in sound, alternative views to the prevailing ones of "larger is better", or "if what we're doing doesn't work, we must do more of it".