Ralph Borsodi

Ralph Borsodi (1886-1977) was an American social theorist, economist, and back-to-the-land advocate who wrote extensively about homesteading, self-sufficiency, and the problems of modern industrial society. His most influential works include "This Ugly Civilization" (1929) and "Flight from the City" (1933), which documented his family's experience leaving New York City to establish a self-sufficient homestead. During the Great Depression, Borsodi established the School of Living in Suffern, New York, which taught practical skills for self-reliant living and became a model for the modern homesteading movement. He developed theories about land use, currency reform, and education that influenced later social movements focused on sustainable living and decentralization. Borsodi's economic philosophy centered on the concept of distribution age economics, arguing against mass production and promoting household production as a more efficient and fulfilling way of life. His experiments with local currency systems and land trusts continue to influence modern community economics and alternative living movements. His practical approach to self-sufficiency, combined with his theoretical work on economics and social organization, established him as a significant figure in American agrarian thought and the modern homesteading movement.

Readers appreciate Borsodi's practical guidance on self-sufficient living and homesteading, particularly in "This Ugly Civilization" and "Flight from the City." Many note his detailed instructions for domestic production and calculations showing the economic benefits of home manufacturing. Several reviewers highlight his economic analysis and critique of industrial society. A Goodreads reviewer wrote: "His breakdown of production costs vs. retail costs opened my eyes." Common criticisms include dense writing style, dated examples, and what some call an overly idealistic view of rural life. Some readers find his tone preachy and his solutions impractical for modern families. Ratings: Goodreads: - This Ugly Civilization: 4.0/5 (42 ratings) - Flight from the City: 3.9/5 (31 ratings) - Education and Living: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: - This Ugly Civilization: 4.5/5 (15 reviews) - Flight from the City: 4.3/5 (8 reviews) Most reviews come from homesteading enthusiasts and economic reform advocates rather than general readers.

Flight from the City (1933) An account of Borsodi's experience moving his family from New York City to a homestead, detailing their methods of self-sufficient living and home production.

This Ugly Civilization (1929) A critique of industrial society and mass production, presenting arguments for decentralization and domestic production.

Education and Living (1948) A comprehensive examination of education's role in society, advocating for practical skills and self-reliant living in educational systems.

Challenge of Asia (1956) An analysis of Asian economic and social systems, comparing Eastern and Western approaches to development and industrialization.

Property and Trusterty (1964) An exploration of property rights concepts and alternative economic systems, introducing Borsodi's theories on land tenure and monetary reform.

Seventeen Problems of Man and Society (1968) A systematic examination of fundamental societal issues, including population, education, and economic organization.

The Definition of Definition (1967) A philosophical work on the nature of definition and classification in human thought and communication.

Inflation is Coming (1974) An analysis of monetary policy and economic trends, presenting Borsodi's views on currency stability and economic reform.