E. F. Schumacher was a British economist and author, best known for his influential book, Small Is Beautiful, published in 1973. He advocated for sustainable development and criticized conventional economic practices that prioritized growth over environmental and social well-being. Schumacher emphasized the importance of appropriate technology and local economies. Born in 1911 in Germany, Schumacher studied at Oxford University and later worked for the British government during World War II. He became a prominent figure in the Buddhist economics movement, which seeks to balance economic activity with ethical and ecological considerations. His ideas continue to inspire discussions on sustainability today.