This session introduces Progress & Poverty, including an overview of what we cover in the course. Even if you don’t plan to take the full course, you can expect this introductory session to help you gain a new and useful perspective on today’s problems of wealth concentration, poverty, and lack of opportunity.
America in the 1870s faced increasing poverty, rising unemployment, rule by an elite and their corporations– many of the same problems we’re experiencing today. Henry George described the cause of these problems and proposed a remedy which is even more applicable today than it was in his time. His book Progress & Poverty, perhaps the best-selling nonfiction book of the 19th century, presented his analysis and solution.
In this “classic” version of the course, students are encouraged to read the original 1879 text, and/or modern summaries and supplements, and to evaluate what George says against their own experience and understanding. You’ll gain a new understanding of how the economy works, which public policies promote liberty and prosperity, and which don’t.
Class meets every Tuesday, beginning 6:15PM on January 19, ending March 22. More information about the course is here and here. Pre-registration is helpful but not required.
More information about this six-session course is here. and here. This section of the course is free but you should preregister.
Introducing Progress & Poverty
In less than two hours, you’ll gain new insight into the causes of low wages, worsening inequality, and economic stagnation, and examine a proposal that could create genuine opportunity for everyone willing to work.
After an overview of Henry George’s early life and work, you’ll consider why most current policies and proposals not only fail to solve problems of poverty and inequality, but often worsen them. You’ll then consider Henry George’s straightforward method for raising wages while lowering the actual cost of living, focusing on how it can apply today, even solving some 21st-century problems.
While Introducing Progress & Poverty is complete in itself, it’s also the first session of our Progress & Poverty course, which starts September 6 at our loop location, 333 S. Wabash.
Introducing Progress & Poverty
In less than two hours, you’ll gain new insight into the causes of low wages, worsening inequality, and economic stagnation, and examine a proposal that could create genuine opportunity for everyone willing to work.
ALTHOUGH THIS EVENT IS FREE, YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BY EMAILING events@hgchicago.org or phoning 312/362-9302, so that building security will be notified to admit you.
After an overview of Henry George’s early life and work, you’ll consider why most current policies and proposals not only fail to solve problems of poverty and inequality, but often worsen them. You’ll then consider Henry George’s straightforward method for raising wages while lowering the actual cost of living, focusing on how it can apply today, even solving some 21st-century problems.
While Introducing Progress & Poverty is complete in itself, it’s also the first session of our Progress & Poverty course, which continues on Thursdays thru November 17.