Why go to Schumacher College?
I have been exploring for years alternative places of higher learning in consideration of furthering my formal knowledge. In the 90’s I looked at various naturopathic colleges, in 2000 I checked out the California Institute of Integral Studies. For various reasons these never came to fruition. In the nineties, a good friend David Minkow lent me a book by Satish Kumar called “Path Without Destination.” In that book Satish described an alternative college in England called Schumacher College started by the famous economist E.F. Schumacher (“Small is Beautiful”) where Satish is the Program Director.
I looked further into the school and last year I took a short course there called “Food, Health and Society”. I was impressed by many aspects of the college and after careful deliberation, for I knew the sacrifices I would make to come here, I chose to enter their one year Masters of Holistic Science program. I am here now. Let me describe below (in no particular order) the exact reasons for my being here:
A) I am excited to participate in the communal aspects of the college. Everyone here, staff and students, share in the maintenance of the college. I really appreciate the high living vibe they keep while maintaining an academic atmosphere.
B) This is an exciting time for Schumacher in that they are taking steps to align their principles with the reality of their life here. I have been calling it permacher schumaculture or the Permaculturizing of Schumacher. I feel I have some roles to play in this. Over the next few months I will also be offering a course on herbalism available to the larger Devon community.
C) Of course, the academic opportunities play a big part of why I am here. As you can ascertain from the title of my program the emphasis is on Holistic Science—alternative ways of viewing the world beyond linear, reductionist western science. There is a nice blend of Goethean Science and Gaian Science with some great core and guest teachers. I see this as an opportunity for learning holistic principles to help in my own research and life path.
D) As many of you reading this know, I have been working for 12 years on a project of investigating the Plants and Healers of the World. With the busy-ness of teaching and community life I have found it challenging these last years to consolidate and integrate the work of getting these world experiences into book form. I have very clear goals of these next four months to bring the three books I am revising and finishing to completion in this academic setting so I can be in a good place to continue with the project.
E) In addition to the formal program here there are a number of amazing individuals who live in Devon. The most famous is Martin Crawford (check out his website www.agroforestry.co.uk) who maintains a world renowned edible forest garden located next to Schumacher. I have made arrangements to spend time with him each week gleaning what I can from his extensive knowledge. Mary Bartlett also lives here and has an extensive knowledge of plants and bookbinding. She to me is a living embodiment of Goethean principles. I intend to spend time with her weekly.
These are the reasons I can put into words. I hope this clarifies why I have made this decision. I feel the plants want me to be here. I am greatly indebted to those who have helped to finance this expensive journey (the dollar is unfortunately worth half as much as the pound!). I am still seeking assistance for my second payment due in February. If you feel you can help (every little bit is appreciated) you can give some support through the donation button on this website or by contacting me.
I will be on site here at Schumacher most of the next four months (the longest I have been steadily in one place since I went on the road 15 years ago!) other than some short trips around England to take in the history and power spots.
To find out more about Schumacher College check out their website: www.schumachercollege.org.uk. I would love to get a letter from you and these can be posted to: Frank Cook c/o Schumacher College The Old Postern Dartington, Devonshire TQ9 6EA United Kingdom.
Being here to me is both a wonderful opportunity and a sacrifice. I already miss my life in America and have faith it will still be there when I return. Until then say hi to the plants for me and remember to eat something wild every day!
Love and Light to each of you,
Frank