Probably the worst "most influential book" I've ever read. It's inconsistent to the point of being nearly incoherent in places, and yet persevering to get to the second half of the book was worth it. Aside from the t-shirt slogans (and there are many) it has several frameworks for consideration that are worth pursuing, but in need of a great deal of development. Not sorry I read it, but it seems like a more modern synopsis of its core ideas would be a more worthwhile use of time.

As part of my reading curriculum while studying Environmental Studies, this book opened to me so many insights that I am (even after couple of years since I read it) so grateful for! Not only in the way of how to look at politics, economy and our environment (which he is exposing in - for me such an interesting new angle - the perspective of buddhism) but it has also this amazing quality of opening you the horizons inside yourself that are clearly indicating you what is the most important (or beautiful, or precious in life. It is a cherished book of mine and even though I am really happy to have read it in quite an early age, I have to say that I will surely return to it more times in my future life with a big passion and joy. Thank you, Mr. Schumacher!

I enjoyed parts of this book more than others, but on the whole thought the author made many valid arguments. I agree with many of his views, but thought at times he seemed a bit preachy. Would love to hear his views on globalization as well as his views of the Internet if that were a possibility.

Schumacher's basic thesis is convincing to me. It has inspired me to focus the charitable support I give to the efforts that align with his idea that the key to human development is to promote appropriate technology at a village level.
Unfortunately, times have moved on and his view of global economics seems naïve and outdated, and the writing is quite dry.

Very interesting way to look at economics. So at odds with the current growth for the sake of growth model

I found the concepts within truly interesting and now have a good perspective on another way to look at economic concepts. But overall, I wish the book was dumbed down a little bit as I had to re read several passages to understand what the author was trying to convey.

It's been too long since I've read this to write a proper review. Perhaps I'll read it again someday and rewrite this. For now, I'll just say that this book remains relevant. We need an economic system that treats human lives—and the earth itself, the ecosystems that sustain us—as more valuable than gold.

My one disappointment with this book is that the economic projections are very much a product of their time. Schumacher's calculations were made in the '70s, and the sad truth is that it turns out he was *under* estimating the effects of exploitative resource management, pollution, overpopulation, and dehumanization. I'd love to see a new edition with footnotes that compare his figures to current statistics.

Bottom line: this is an important book that has sadly fallen to the wayside. We need more economists like E.F. Schumacher.