Small is Beautiful

After six years of doing my research I was pleased, I was excited, to be introduced by an attorney to the work of renowned British economist E.F. Schumacher, Small is Beautitul.

Although an economist himself, Schumacher does not speak kindly of his fellow economists. He challenges scientists and technologists to design and develop machines which are:

• Affordable
• Small
• Creative

This is the core of Working Mannequin's call to Independent Contractors and Independent Retailers in apparel networks and their KSE (see KSE post).

First, that the Independent Contractor's primary tool is the sewing machine. It is affordable. Purchase of the most expensive home sewing machine is not in excess of an individual's gross annual income.

Second, any home sewing machine is small enough to fit in the home, easily. It has the added portability feature which means that despite it being slightly bulkier than a notebook anyone with a sewing machine can travel.

Third, and perhaps a point much undervalued: The affordable, small, sewing machine allows for creativity. Creativity ought not be seen merely as the free expression on canvas by a painter or a beautifully designed quilt or apparel item. It is creativity when a person can design their day according to their family life. Where they can put in so much time on a given order or task and then breakaway to attend their child's school or athletic function.

Schumacher did not believe the mega corporation was the solution to the needs and problems of our society. There is nothing affordable, small or creative in the mega machine on the manufacturing floor where many a worker earns his/her livelihood.

It excites me to think there will be networks which will make a name for themselves for their quality, integrity and ability to deliver. The cream rises to the top, always.

The Lord he is God.

What are your thoughts?