Leopold Kohr Quotes
- Economist
- Austria
- 1909
Leopold Kohr (1909-1994) was an Austrian-born economist, philosopher, and political scientist. He is best known for his 1957 book The Breakdown of Nations, which argued that small nations are more stable and prosperous than large ones. He also wrote several other books, including The Overdeveloped N…Read More
Leopold Kohr (1909-1994) was an Austrian-born economist, philosopher, and political scientist. He is best known for his 1957 book The Breakdown of Nations, which argued that small nations are more stable and prosperous than large ones. He also wrote several other books, including The Overdeveloped Nations (1977) and The Overpopulation Myth (1982). He was a strong advocate of decentralization and regional autonomy, and his ideas have been influential in the development of the European Union. He was also a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Innsbruck.Read Less
Leopold Kohr (1909-1994) was an Austrian-born economist, philosopher, and political scientist. He is best known for his 1957 book The Breakdown of Nations, which argued that small nations are more stable and prosperous than large ones. He also wrote several other books, including The Overdeveloped Nations (1977) and The Overpopulation Myth (1982). He was a strong advocate of decentralization and regional autonomy, and his ideas have been influential in the development of the European Union. He was also a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Innsbruck.
Leopold Kohr Career Highlights
Leopold Kohr was an Austrian political scientist, economist, and philosopher who is best known for his work on the concept of “small is beautiful.” He was born on October 5, 1909, in Oberndorf, Austria, and passed away on February 26, 1994, in Gloucester, England.Kohr’s career began in the 1930s when he worked as a journalist and editor for various newspapers in Austria. He also served as a lecturer at the University of Innsbruck and the London School of Economics. In 1943, he joined the British Army and served as an intelligence officer during World War II.After the war, Kohr continued his academic career and became a professor of economics and political science at the University of Puerto Rico. He also taught at various universities in the United States, including Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Key Contributions by Leopold Kohr
Kohr’s most significant contribution to the field of political science and economics was his theory of “small is beautiful.” He argued that small, decentralized communities were more efficient, sustainable, and democratic than large, centralized ones. This idea was a direct challenge to the prevailing belief in the benefits of economic and political growth.Kohr also wrote extensively on the concept of “human scale,” which emphasized the importance of human-sized institutions and communities. He believed that large, impersonal systems, such as governments and corporations, were detrimental to human well-being and should be replaced with smaller, more localized structures.
What Sets Leopold Kohr Apart
What sets Leopold Kohr apart is his unique perspective on economics and politics. He challenged the dominant belief in growth and expansion and instead advocated for smaller, more human-centered systems. His ideas were considered radical at the time but have gained more recognition in recent years as concerns about the environment and social inequality have grown.Kohr’s work also stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from economics, political science, philosophy, and sociology. He was not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and offer alternative solutions to societal problems.
Takeaways
Leopold Kohr’s work continues to be relevant and influential today, particularly in the fields of environmentalism, sustainable development, and community building. His ideas have inspired many movements and organizations that promote localism, decentralization, and human-scale living.Kohr’s legacy also serves as a reminder to question dominant ideologies and think critically about the impact of growth and expansion on society and the environment. His work challenges us to consider alternative ways of organizing our economies and communities that prioritize human well-being over profit and power.