Henry George, Progress and Poverty, Selections (1879)

Q: What is the central theme of Henry George's "Progress and Poverty"?

A: The central theme is the paradox of simultaneous economic progress and increasing poverty, which George argues stems from unequal wealth distribution and social injustices.

Q: According to Henry George, what is the 'great enigma of our times'?

A: The great enigma is the association of poverty with progress, which leads to social, political, and industrial difficulties.

Q: What is the central theme of Henry George's "Progress and Poverty"?

A: The central theme is the paradox of simultaneous economic progress and increasing poverty, which George argues stems from unequal wealth distribution and social injustices.

Q: According to Henry George, what is the 'great enigma of our times'?

A: The great enigma is the association of poverty with progress, which leads to social, political, and industrial difficulties.

Q: What does George compare the inequality between the wealthy and the poor to?

A: He compares it to a leaning tower that will eventually collapse if the foundations remain unstable.

Q: What does Henry George believe about educating people who remain in poverty?

A: He believes that educating people condemned to poverty will only make them more restless and discontented.

Q: How does Henry George describe the political institutions built on social inequality?

A: He describes them as standing a pyramid on its apex, implying that they are unstable and unsustainable.

Q: What does George argue is the cause of the social and economic evils in society?

A: He argues that these evils arise from unjust and unequal distribution of wealth, which are due to social maladjustments ignoring natural laws.

Q: According to George, what must be done to prevent society from regressing into barbarism?

A: The causes of unjust wealth distribution must be removed to promote true progress and prevent societal collapse.

Q: What does George say about the relationship between political liberty and access to land?

A: He argues that political liberty is meaningless if people are denied equal access to land, as it results in competition for employment at starvation wages.

Q: What imagery does George use to describe the effects of poverty on society?

A: He mentions beggars in the streets, tramps on the roads, poverty enslaving men, ignorance breeding in schools, and corruption in justice and government.

Q: How does George critique the concept of Liberty as practiced in society?

A: He argues that society honors Liberty in name and form but does not fully trust it or implement it in everyday life.

Q: What is George's definition of true Liberty?

A: True Liberty means Justice, which aligns with natural law and promotes health, strength, fraternity, and cooperation.

Q: How does George compare Liberty to the sun?

A: He compares Liberty to the sun, which not only provides light but also supports life, growth, and diversity.

Q: What does George say about those who believe Liberty's mission is complete after abolishing hereditary privileges?

A: He believes they have misunderstood Liberty's true grandeur and fail to see its continued relevance in everyday life.

Q: What warning does George give about technological progress and its potential impact on society?

A: He warns that forces like steam and electricity will either elevate society to a higher plane or destroy it, as has happened with past civilizations.

Q: What does George say about the conflict between democratic ideas and aristocratic social structures?

A: He states that there is an irreconcilable conflict between democratic ideals and the aristocratic adjustments of society, which must be resolved.

Q: What are some contradictions George highlights about the United States?

A: He highlights contradictions such as allowing people to vote while forcing them into poverty, educating children but denying them job opportunities, and preaching human rights while denying basic natural rights.

Q: What metaphor does George use to describe societal change and unrest?

A: He uses the metaphor of new wine fermenting in old bottles to describe the building pressure for social change.

Q: What is George's ultimate message about progress and society's future?

A: His ultimate message is that society must address the root causes of inequality and injustice to ensure lasting progress and avoid collapse.