The real problems of our planet are not economic or technical, they are philosophical. The philosophy of unbridled materialism is being challenged by events.
E. F. SchumacherRead
The substance of man cannot be measured by Gross National Product.
Interpretation
True human worth transcends material wealth and economic metrics.
E. F. Schumacher's quote suggests that the true essence of humanity cannot be quantified solely through economic indicators like the Gross National Product (GNP). It emphasizes the idea that measuring a person's or a nation's value should include spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions beyond mere financial wealth, urging us to reflect on what truly enriches human life and well-being.
In practice
During a discussion on economic policies, one might use this quote to emphasize the limitations of financial metrics.
The real problems of our planet are not economic or technical, they are philosophical. The philosophy of unbridled materialism is being challenged by events.
The printing press is either the greatest blessing or the greatest curse of modern times, sometimes one forgets which it is.
By means of trees, wildlife could be conserved, pollution decreased, and the beauty of our landscapes enhanced. This is the way, or at least one of the ways, to spiritual, moral, and cultural regeneration.
We still have to learn how to live peacefully, not only with our fellow men but also with nature and, above all, with those Higher Powers which have made nature and have made us; for, assuredly, we have not come about by accident and certainly have not made ourselves
The heart of the matter, as I see it, is the stark fact that world poverty is primarily a problem of two million villages, and thus a problem of two thousand million villagers.
Economic policies absorb almost the entire attention of government, and at the same time become ever more impotent. The simplest things, which only fifty years ago one could do without difficulty, cannot get done any more. The richer a society, the more impossible it become to do worthwhile things without immediate payoff.
He spent six hours examining things, trying to find a difference from their appearance on the previous day in the hope of discovering in them some change that would reveal the passage of time.
It is our policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.
Our government's got a war on drugs. That's certainly better than no drugs at all.
It is insane that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, should be able to decide to bring an end to civilization.
Envy is one of the great enemies of active spirituality. It keeps us from loving our neighbours, from functioning with others in community, and from affirming people's unique worth. It also steals contentment from the heart. Is there anything or anyone you are envious of?
There is no more great men; there is only great committees.
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