Scott Nearing

Scott Nearing (August 6, 1883 – August 24, 1983) was an American radical economist, educator, writer, political activist, and advocate of simple living. He is best known for his contributions to the back-to-the-land movement and his influential works on sustainable living and social justice.

Early Life and Education

Scott Nearing was born in Morris Run, Pennsylvania. He attended Pennsylvania State University and later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1905 and his master's degree in 1909. Nearing was deeply influenced by the social and economic issues of his time, which shaped his future career and activism.

Academic Career

Nearing began his academic career as an instructor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He quickly gained a reputation for his progressive views, particularly his criticism of child labor and his advocacy for labor rights. His outspoken stance led to his dismissal from the University of Pennsylvania in 1915.

He then taught at Toledo University but faced similar opposition due to his radical views, leading to his dismissal in 1917. Nearing's academic work focused on economics, sociology, and education, and he published several influential books and articles during this period.

Political Activism

Nearing was an active member of the Socialist Party of America and later the Communist Party USA. He ran for political office several times but was never elected. His political activism extended to his writing, where he addressed issues such as capitalism, imperialism, and war.

During the Great Depression, Nearing became a prominent critic of the New Deal, arguing that it did not go far enough in addressing the systemic issues of capitalism. He continued to write and lecture on social and economic issues throughout his life.

Back-to-the-Land Movement

In the 1930s, Nearing and his wife, Helen Nearing, moved to a farm in Vermont and later to Maine, where they practiced and promoted a lifestyle of simple living and self-sufficiency. Their book, Living the Good Life, became a seminal work in the back-to-the-land movement, inspiring many to adopt sustainable and self-reliant lifestyles.

Legacy

Scott Nearing's contributions to social and economic thought, as well as his advocacy for sustainable living, have left a lasting impact. His works continue to be studied and appreciated by those interested in social justice, environmentalism, and alternative lifestyles.

Selected Works

• The Super Race: An American Problem (1912)
• Wages in the United States (1911)
• The Making of a Radical (1972)
• Living the Good Life (1954, with Helen Nearing)

See Also

• Helen Nearing
• Back-to-the-land movement
• Simple living
• Sustainable living
• Social justice