Chicagohenge (image credit: Erik Cooper CC BY 2.0)
Our popular Introducing Progress & Poverty session will be presented on two Tuesdays this month, May 13 and May 20. Either session will provide an overview of the main concepts in the Progress & Poverty book, in which Henry George identifies the principal reasons why poverty persists even as technical progress massively increases our capability to meet human needs. Of course the specifics are different– progress in George’s time was the railroad, steam, and electricity, whereas today it’s the internet, mobile phones, and artificial intelligence. But the fundamental causes are not different.
Because tariffs and international trade policy have been in the news recently, we’re upgrading the presentation to include consideration of how tariffs work, what they aim to accomplish, and a more effective way to accomplish their asserted purpose.
Introducing Progress & Poverty will help you understand why it is so difficult for ordinary people, willing and able to work, to make a decent living, and will present for your consideration Henry George’s proposal for solving the problem.
Each session starts at 5:30PM, at our Signature Office space, 333 S Wabash #2700. Both sessions are free, but building management requires that everyone be registered and present ID. You can register by emailing us . (If the ID requirement is a problem for you, email us to discuss other options.)
For a more complete understanding of basic economic principles, enroll in our full Progress & Poverty course, which will begin June 3, continuing on Tuesdays thru July 29. You can register for it at either the May 13 or May 20 session.
Irene Marmi (left) receives her graduation certificate from late Progress & Poverty instructor Bob Drake in 2008. Fellow graduate Heather Anne Linden at right.
Our good friend and long-time Henry George School of Chicago board member and librarian Irene Marmi has died. She died on May 5, 2025.
She was a delightful woman who had taken care of a number of elderly women until she herself was no longer able to do that work as her own health had deteriorated. She was also a friend of Bill Wendt’s and helped him during the last years of his life. She was always empathetic, and had an easy manner in talking to people she simply encountered during the ordinary course of life. She introduced any number of people to Georgism, who then attended the School’s presentations or took classes. Irene will also be remembered as a feral cat activist.
We should all have a kind and caring friend like Irene.
The popular “Introducing Progress & Poverty” session will be presented on two Tuesdays this month, March 18 and March 25. Either session will provide an overview of the main concepts in the Progress & Poverty book, in which Henry George identifies the principal reasons why poverty persists even as technical progress massively increases our capability to meet human needs. Of course the specifics are different– progress in George’s time was the railroad, steam, and electricity, whereas today it’s the internet, mobile phone, and artificial intelligence. But the fundamental causes are not different.
This is recommended for anyone who plans to take our Progress & Poverty course, which starts April 1, as well as for anyone concerned in social and economic justice.
Each session starts at 5:30PM, at our Signature Office space, 333 S Wabash #2700. Both sessions are free, but building management requires that everyone be pre-registered and present ID. You can register using our Eventbrite listing for March 18 or March 25, or by emailing us . (If the ID requirement is a problem for you, email us to discuss other options.)
Our full Progress & Poverty course will begin April 1, continuing on Tuesdays thru May 27. You can register for it at either the March 18 or March 25 session.
If you’re concerned about problems of poverty, lack of opportunity, and declining quality of life in Chicago and America, and hoping for a better future, you should attend ourIntroducing Progress & Poverty session on Tuesday, January 14, 5:30PM. Perhaps you already knew that these problems aren’t unique to our time, but were recognized in the 1870s (and earlier) by Henry George among others. George synthesized an explanation and proposed a solution which could be even more effective today than in his era.
This session is without charge or obligation, but requires preregistration. If you find it of compelling interest, you might want to enroll in our complete Progress & Poverty course, which continues thru March 18.
Redevelopment of former industrial land at 36th and Artesian. July, 2023. Henry George School photo by Chuck Metalitz
Another session of Introducing Progress & Poverty has been added to our schedule, with a focus on housing. We’ll start with a brief talk by Urban Environmentalists Illinois. Part of the YIMBY movement, they are are people working towards a future of cities and towns with abundant housing, work and play only a short bike or transit ride away; safe and independent mobility for all; lively and green public spaces; clean air and water; and affordability for all who wish to live there.
Following this, HGS instructor Chuck Metalitz will introduce Progress & Poverty, a presentation similar to those earlier this month, but with emphasis on how George’s remedy makes housing more available and affordable.
This session on Thursday, September 19, starts at 5:30PM at Signature Offices, 333 S Wabash #2700. Due to building practices, you must reserve in advance and the security desk may require you to show identification. Make a reservation by emailing us or phoning 312 362 9302.
The regular Progress & Poverty course starts the following Thursday, September 26, and you can register for it at the September 19 session.
!!Please note location and access details at the bottom of this post!!
Introducing Progress and Poverty
Repeats three times this term
Statue representation of Progress and Poverty, originally the frontispiece of the Second Annual Single Tax Conference brochure, held in Chicago, 1911
Thursday, September 5, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, September 10, 5:30 – 7:30 PM*
Thursday September 12, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
In his 1879 masterpiece Progress and Poverty, Henry George proposed to end poverty by recognizing a clear and logical distinction between private property and community property. America took a different path, but Chuck Metalitz (September 5 and September 12 sessions) says George’s proposal is the best way to bring prosperity to the struggling people of America today.
After a brief outline of George’s early life and work, he’ll consider the remedies proposed in our time for poverty, and evaluate their potential to assure that everyone has the opportunity to get a comfortable living. Then he’ll present George’s remedy, which is even more valid in 2024 than it was in the gilded age, and note some of the obstacles to its implementation.
Of course there will be time for questions and discussion.
This single session is intended to provide an overview of what Progress and Poverty covers, and why it’s worthwhile for thinking people to investigate it today. At the conclusion of the session, you’ll be invited to sign up for the complete Progress and Poverty course, but there’s no obligation to do so.
*At the September 10 session, George Menninger will cover the same concepts in a somewhat different way, including his practical experience in their use.
Progress and Poverty
Thursdays, September 26 thru November 21, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
This course is based on Henry George’s book of the same name, supplemented by modern readings, presentations, and some videos. If possible, you should have attended one of the Introducing Progress and Poverty sessions on the prior three Thursdays , then there are nine additional sessions thru November 21. From this course:
You will learn a method of reasoning that is useful in understanding all sorts of community problems.
You will know the mechanism by which poverty tends to worsen as the economy progresses, and why programs aimed at alleviating poverty can have, at best, only limited success.
You will see the inherent contradictions which cause “economic development” programs to fail.
You will understand the fundamental cause of the ongoing financial crises.
You will know why similar crises occur repeatedly, every decade or two.
You will recognize why honest and efficient government, improved public education, and many other desirable reforms cannot by themselves bring prosperity nor end poverty.
You will have a better understanding of the economic system under which we live.
You will know how Liberty and Justice are essential elements of any system which works for everybody.
You will understand and have evaluated for yourself a method of public finance which might end poverty and prevent financial collapses.
Instructor: Adam H. Kerman
Applied Economics
Tuesdays, September 17 thru November 19, 5:30 – 7:30PM
This course requires prior completion of Progress and Poverty, or equivalent knowledge.
This course is based mainly on two of George’s shorter books, Protection or Free Trade and Social Problems. You’ll be impressed with how closely the concerns of the 1880s anticipate 21st-century problems, and consider how George’s proposals might be applicable today.
Instructor: Chuck Metalitz
All of the above events are at Signature Offices, 333 S Wabash Ave #2700, Chicago IL 60604. To register, email us events@hgchicago.org or phone 312 362-9302.
BUILDING SECURITY WILL REQUIRE YOU TO SHOW ID UPON ENTERING. We have no choice in this regard, but if it’s a concern to you, let us know and we will try to arrange a workaround.
!!Please note location and access details at the bottom of this post!!
Introducing Progress and Poverty
Repeats three times this term
Henry George
Thursday, May 30, 5:30 – 7:30PM
Thursday June 6, 5:30 – 7:30 PM*
Thursday June 13, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
In his 1879 masterpiece Progress & Poverty, Henry George proposed to end poverty by recognizing a clear and logical distinction between private property and community property. America took a different path, but Chuck Metalitz (May 30 and June 13 sessions) says George’s proposal is the best way to bring prosperity to the struggling people of America today.
After a brief outline of George’s early life and work, he’ll consider the remedies proposed in our time for poverty, and evaluate their potential to assure that everyone has the opportunity to get a comfortable living. Then he’ll present George’s remedy, which is even more valid in 2024 than it was in the gilded age, and note some of the obstacles to its implementation.
Of course there will be time for questions and discussion.
This single session is intended to provide an overview of what Progress & Poverty covers, and why it’s worthwhile for thinking people to investigate it today. At the conclusion of the session, you’ll be invited to sign up for the complete Progress & Poverty course, but there’s no obligation to do so.
*The June 6 session is presented by George Menninger, who brings practical experience in application of Georgist theory.
Progress and Poverty
Thursdays, June 13 thru August 15, 5:30 – 7:30 PM [no class July 4]
This course is based on Henry George’s book of the same name, supplemented by modern readings, presentations, and some videos. The first class is Introducing Progress & Poverty, then there are eight additional sessions thru August 15. From this course:
You will learn a method of reasoning that is useful in understanding all sorts of community problems.
You will know the mechanism by which poverty tends to worsen as the economy progresses, and why programs aimed at alleviating poverty can have, at best, only limited success.
You will see the inherent contradictions which cause “economic development” programs to fail.
You will understand the fundamental cause of the ongoing financial crises.
You will know why similar crises occur repeatedly, every decade or two.
You will recognize why honest and efficient government, improved public education, and many other desirable reforms cannot by themselves bring prosperity nor end poverty.
You will have a better understanding of the economic system under which we live.
You will know how Liberty and Justice are essential elements of any system which works for everybody.
You will understand and have evaluated for yourself a method of public finance which might end poverty and prevent financial collapses.
Instructor: Adam H. Kerman
Advanced Courses can be arranged upon request.
All of the above events are at Signature Offices, 333 S Wabash Ave #2700, Chicago IL 60604. To register, email us events@hgchicago.org or phone 312 362-9302.
BUILDING SECURITY WILL REQUIRE YOU TO SHOW ID UPON ENTERING. We have no choice in this regard, but if it’s a concern to you, let us know and we will try to arrange a workaround.
!!Please note location and access details at the bottom of this post!!
Introducing Progress and Poverty
Tuesday, January 16, 5:30 – 7:30PM
In his 1879 masterpiece Progress & Poverty, Henry George proposed to end poverty by recognizing a clear and logical distinction between private property and community property. America took a different path, but Chuck Metalitz says George’s proposal is the best way to bring prosperity to the struggling people of America today.
After a brief outline of George’s early life and work, he’ll consider the remedies proposed in our time for poverty, and evaluate their potential to assure that everyone has the opportunity to get a comfortable living. Then he’ll present George’s remedy, which is even more valid in 2024 than it was in the gilded age, and note some of the obstacles to its implementation.
Of course there will be time for questions and discussion.
This single session is intended to provide an overview of what Progress & Poverty covers, and why it’s worthwhile for thinking people to investigate it today. At the conclusion of the session, you’ll be invited to sign up for the complete Progress & Poverty course, but there’s no obligation to do so.
Progress and Poverty
Tuesdays, January 16 thru March 26, 5:30 – 7:30PM
This course is based on Henry George’s book of the same name, supplemented by modern readings, presentations, and some videos. The first class is Introducing Progress & Poverty, then there are nine additional sessions thru March 26. From this course:
You will learn a method of reasoning that is useful in understanding all sorts of community problems.
You will know the mechanism by which poverty tends to worsen as the economy progresses, and why programs aimed at alleviating poverty can have, at best, only limited success.
You will see the inherent contradictions which cause “economic development” programs to fail.
You will understand the fundamental cause of the ongoing financial crises.
You will know why similar crises occur repeatedly, every decade or two.
You will recognize why honest and efficient government, improved public education, and many other desirable reforms cannot by themselves bring prosperity nor end poverty.
You will have a better understanding of the economic system under which we live.
You will know how Liberty and Justice are essential elements of any system which works for everybody.
You will understand and have evaluated for yourself a method of public finance which might end poverty and prevent financial collapses.
Instructor: Adam H Kerman
Economic Science
Thursdays, January 18 thru March 14, 5:30-7:30 PM
The Science of Political Economy, which George intended to correct the shortcomings of college-level courses in the field, is the main text for this course. Prior completion of Progress & Poverty is required. You can choose to read George’s original text, or an excellent abridgement by Lindy Davies. There will also be some supplementary material.
Topics addressed include:
how civilization extends and increases the limited powers of the individual
the nature of wealth
theories of value
diminishing returns
the relation of space and time in production
the nature of trade
causes of confusion as to property
voluntary and involuntary cooperation
money and credit
functions of land, labor, and capital.
All of the above events are at Signature Offices, 333 S. Wabash #2700, Chicago 60604. To register, email us or phone 312 362 9302.
BUILDING SECURITY WILL REQUIRE YOU TO SHOW ID UPON ENTERING. We have no choice in this regard, but if it’s a concern to you, let us know and we will try to arrange a workaround.
“Fountain of Time” by Lorado Taft. Photo by artistmac (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed )
Land Acknowledgment
We recognize that this land was occupied by other folks before us. Some of them may have practiced more just systems of land tenure. Because no human created land, all land titles are necessarily the result of conquest, force, and fraud.
We assert that land belongs in usufruct to the living. And that rent is justly shared among the community.
Determining exactly who is the “community” and how the rent should be shared among them are legitimate topics for discussion, that we’ll probably never all completely agree on.
Labor Acknowledgment
Unlike the Federal capitol, none of our buildings was constructed by slave labor, and our city is not named after an enslaver. Labor improved the land we occupy by raising its level to improve drainage, and by building, maintaining and continuing to operate the infrastructure which makes it more useful.
