Human Scale Revisited A New Look at the Classic Case for a Decentralist Future

Kirkpatrick Sale's Human Scale Revisited is widely praised for re-introducing and updating his core "Beanstalk Principle," which posits that everything has an optimal limit beyond which growth leads to destruction. Reviewers appreciate its application across various societal and technological domains, from city planning to decentralized energy and critiques of state power. Sale's unique, unboxable political perspective, blending eco-leftism with critiques often found in other schools of thought, is highlighted as a strength. The book offers compelling arguments for localism, a steady-state economy, community ownership, and workplace democracy, with specific insights into human-scale cities and practical services. Many find it a thought-provoking counterpoint to consolidating trends, offering much to consider regarding the concept of limits and alternative societal structures.

However, critics point out several significant drawbacks. A common concern is the book's perceived lack of realism and applicability, with many ideas described as more aspirational than practical. Reviewers note instances of outlandish claims made without sufficient sourcing or footnotes, and an oversimplification of complex issues. The book is criticized for underplaying the importance of centralized coordination for global challenges like pandemics or climate change, and for not adequately addressing the practicalities of implementing its proposed changes, such as shrinking cities. Furthermore, some reviewers highlight a lack of historical nuance, particularly regarding issues of race, colonialism, and the potential for negative social dynamics even within small communities, citing specific examples where historical context is overlooked.

In conclusion, Human Scale Revisited is recognized as an important and stimulating work for those interested in decentralization, localism, and critiques of large-scale systems. While it provides a wealth of ideas for re-thinking societal structures and recovering a sense of limits, readers should approach it prepared for its idealistic and sometimes unproven proposals. It offers valuable perspectives for both progressive and conservative thinkers concerned with ecological, political, and social well-being, but requires an open mind to its aspirational nature and an awareness of its historical and practical limitations.