Monday, September 11, 2017

Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right by Arlie Russell Hochschild

I was very interested to read this book but disappointed by the author's focus on a few people who she befriended, and then did not seem to challenge to fully explain their beliefs.

Small is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher

Very hard to read. This book, written in 1973 warned against economic policies focused on profits over care for the planet, natural resources, and human beings. The author provides detailed analysis and context for "the development of a life-style which accords to material things their proper, legitimate place, which is secondary and not primary." He warns so many years ago that "the downfall of civilization will not be a matter of science fiction. It will be the experience of our children and grandchildren." Fast forward to 2017.