A set of standards for technological innovation in the work of Wendell Berry. Originally published in his essay, “Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer” from 1987.
- The new tool should be cheaper than the one it replaces.
- It should be at least as small in scale as the one it replaces.
- It should do work that is clearly and demonstrably better than the one it replaces.
- It should use less energy than the one it replaces.
- If possible, it should use some form of solar energy, such as that of the body.
- It should be repairable by a person of ordinary intelligence, provided that he or she has the necessary tools.
- It should be purchasable and repairable as near to home as possible.
- It should come from a small, privately owned shop or store that will take it back for maintenance and repair.
- It should not replace or disrupt anything good that already exists, and this includes family and community relationships.
Whilst I’m in no rush to get rid of my computation devices, I do think that it is useful to ask challenging questions when it comes to evaluating new devices and technologies.
Originally found whilst reading about Appropriate Technology from E.F. Schumacher, although I would like to learn more deeply and explore the interconnected permacomputing movement.