Jakob von Uexkull is a writer, lecturer, philanthropist, activist, and former politician. He is the founder and chair of the Right Livelihood Award (1980), often referred to as the Alternative Nobel Prize; co-founder of The Other Economic Summit (1984); and founder of the World Future Council (2007). He was a member of the European Parliament (1987-89) and of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Commission on Human Duties and Responsibilities (1998-2000). Von Uexkull has served on the Council of Governance of Transparency International as well as on the Board of Greenpeace, Germany, and was a member of the European Parliament for the German Green Party from 1984 to 1989. He is a patron of Friends of the Earth International and lectures widely on environment, justice, and peace issues.

He delivered this speech at the 12th Annual E.F. Schumacher Lectures in October 1992.

If you would like a physical copy of this lecture or others like it, visit centerforneweconomics.org/order-pamphlets to purchase pamphlets of published works and transcripts.

The Schumacher Center’s applied work seeks to implement the principles described by these speakers within the context of the Berkshire hills of Massachusetts. Our work, both educational and applied, is supported by listeners like you. You can strengthen our mission by making a donation at centerforneweconomics.org/donate, or call us at (413) 528-1737 to make an appointment to visit our research library and office at 140 Jug End Road, Great Barrington, Massachusetts.