"Good Work"

Recently I was introduced to the ideas of Ernst Friedrich Schumacher, a British economist most noted for his theory of "intermediate technology." I picked up a copy of his "Good Work" to find out more.

Schumacher believes that work is one of the most determinative authorities on a person's disposition and personality. Despite of this no textbook or school teaches about the theory or objectives of work: "The question of what work does to the worker is hardly ever asked." Schumacher goes on to suggest three purposes of work: 1) to produce goods and services 2) to allow us to use and perfect our talents (self development) 3) to do this in service to and in harmony with others thereby emancipating ourselves from our egocentricity.

He moves on to assert the negative affects of our modern industrial society. "It sentences the great majority of workers to spending their working lives in a way which contains no worthy challenge, no stimulus to self-perfection, and no chance of development." Through a Marxist lens Schumacher argues that technology is the real problem rather than the "system." The bourgeoisie or capitalists created modern technologies and therein a system designed to suit those technologies. Schumacher proposes that technology suffers four adverse trends: 1) trend to become bigger and bigger 2) inclination toward increasing complexity 3) trend towards capital-costly and 4) the drift towards violence (against nature and increase in violent attitudes - science can do no wrong).

Schumacher is quick to offer his solution to these trends. He argues that changing our system would require implementing a new type of technology - intermediate technologies - by which individuals can make themselves productive and independent. Technologies that "fit the given conditions." One example of intermediate (or appropriate) technology given by Schumacher is an egg tray which allows Zambian farmers to safely transport their eggs to market. The other day I read about another appropriate technology in Nepal.

He proceeds to discuss administration, management, and workforce size incorporating first hand examples from his various jobs. Schumacher believes the best businesses (in terms of the worker) have minimum administration, a buoyant structure (picture a group of helium balloons; all on the same level and interdependent), and acceptable staffing numbers to keep the human touch.

Finally, Schumacher takes a metaphysical approach to the education of good work. Education for good work should begin the questions: What is man and what is the purpose of his life? A study of traditional wisdom would find that the goal of life is perfection. The path to this goal is good work.

"Good work" published in 1979, was compiled from lectures and previously written essays. Therefore it is not the best written book. However "Good Work" includes some great insights from Schumacher still applicable today. His thoughts on the workplace, technology, and business were ahead of his time. I would deem "Good Work" worth reading.

Digital Detox Week Part Two

My week without technology was fairly easy I believe. I think this was due to the fact that a) I work six days a week and b) I don't use technology as much as the average person does in a day. My daily activities changed relatively little. I read, worked out, did laundry, phoned my mom, biked, went for coffee, baked, wrote letters for Amnesty and cleaned - a pretty standard week.

Nonetheless I did come to some realizations through out my tech-free time. I found that I used technology most at transition points in my day - after work, after supper, and prior to bed. Instead I had time to reflect on my day rather than be distracted by television or the computer. Radio also became a good friend during these times. I would listen to the community station while working out, then switched to CBC while eating supper. It reinforced my love for radio as a medium. It is very enjoyable and educational. The appeal of Facebook became a topic floating through my mind. Although it can serve as a great networking tool it can also be the cause of great procrastination. A few times during the week I wanted to check email and Facebook but I believe this was merely out of curiousity. Finally, I went to bed on time every single night.

I'm not sure I could have gone longer than a week. Not that I am a tech-hungry individual, but as with most of our society I have become accustomed to the freedom and convenience technology offers. However I believe it is important to strike a balance with technology. How much do you let technology control your life and how much are you in check with your use of technology? Or have you ever thought of it? It is simply a matter of willpower and what you want from life. Doing versus watching others. We watch actors on television "achieving" dreams or reading on Facebook of others' accomplishments. We should be keeping ourselves busy doing what is important to us and our goals.

Digital Detox Week

Between April 19th and 25th I will be unplugging myself from the digital world. As part of Adbusters' Digital Detox Campaign I will refrain from using my cell phone, computer, iPod, and television. Cold turkey! While I know I can do it, I believe a week without technology will be somewhat of a shock seeing as I often take it for granted. I will make notes throughout the experiment and blog about my experience after. I have a list of activities to keep myself occupied and bring myself back to nature and the simple things in life. I am very excited for this challenge and hope that you too will participate. The folks at Adbusters advise us to "take a week to cut back on digital stimulation as much as you can. The goal is not to dwell on the pitfalls of our electronic devices but to reflect on ourselves." Stay tuned for my sure to be insightful blog!

"Men have become the tools of their tools."
- Henry David Thoreau