This may be the best introduction into the thought of Ivan Illich. A series of interviews conducted by David Cayley, it proceeds chronologically through Illich's work from the '60s to the '80s. The interview format provides a good survey of Illich's biography, his written works, and allows for reflective thinking about the two. What I appreciate more than anything about Illich's thought/work is how he provides a new vantage point for looking at the world. He calls into question our underlying assumptions: what is school for? does our technology actually advance human satisfaction? do helping professions do more harm than good?

( )