First Published in 1986. Economics is in trouble. Its policy instruments are blunt, its experts disagree and its theories are in disarray in the face of global economics disorder: unprecedented levels of indebtedness, endemic inflation, high unemployment , deepening world poverty and gross environmental degradation. The Living Economy analyses conventional economic theory in the light of contemporary economic problems and finds its basic premises and assumptions flawed and its methodology suspect in several important respects. The Living Economy covers a variety of topics from agricultural methods and policy to health and world trade reform. Contributors come from a wide diversity of countries and continents including the USA, Europe, Africa, and the Far East. Each section is worth reading in its own right, for itself and, indeed, by itself. It is a book to be browsed through, reflected upon and enjoyed at one’s leisure. Together the contributions form a rich tapestry of insights and inspirations. They are in no way a simple repetition of Schumacher’s thoughts. Rather, they form an authentic part of a wider intellectual tradition of which he was also a part, albeit an early and important one.
