Ebook: Stepping Stones: Appropriate Technology and Beyond

The ideas of appropriate technology grew out of a sense that something was seriously wrong with a way of life that allowed the squandering of natural resources—and money—for questionable material gains. Some people responded to the deteriorating physical, social, and economic environment by developing more meaningful and equitable life-styles and communities. Others went “back to the land” to explore the values of self-sufficiency. Still others honed their political and organizing skills by working for human rights and economic justice. All are now coming together to form a social and political force that has the potential to change the course of our society.

The pieces collected here are the philosophical stepping stones that have helped shape the techniques, values, tools, and politics of appropriate technology. They are intended as a companion to RAINBOOK: RESOURCES FoR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY, which documents the manifestations of the ideas presented here. And they include a number of new, important responses to the question about what lies beyond appropriate technology.

Lane de Moll is co-editor of Rain Magazine (Journal of Appropriate Technology) and Gigi Coe is with the California Office of Appropriate Technology.