Events

Jul
27
Thu
Bridging the Right-Left Divide: 37th Conference of the Council of Georgist Organizations @ Hilton Garden Inn
Jul 27 @ 7:30 pm – Jul 31 @ 10:30 am
Sep
4
Mon
Henry George Day
Sep 4 @ 3:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Thinking inside the box outside. Image credit: Frits Ahlefeldt (cc)

We’ll gather in a rundown south Evanston back yard [you get the exact address when you RSVP; be assured it is half a mile to publc transportation.] to commemorate Henry George’s 178th birthday (actually he was born September 2, but by tradition we use Labor Day).  This year, we’re also celebrating our transition to a virtual school using multiple locations, no longer paying monthly rent to a landlord.

Thanks to the generosity of HGS supporters past and present, everyone who’s completed any HGS course, ever, is welcome to attend without charge. Bring a significant other, or a friend who might find HGS of interest, also no charge.  And of course no charge for your minor dependents. We hope to see people who might have taken a course years ago and almost lost touch with us. Come by, meet some of the new students and graduates, as well as the volunteer staff.

There will be food, drink, a lot of conversation and maybe some productive discussion about how to help our community understand how the economy works, the fundamental principles which can be harnessed to bring prosperity and freedom.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us know by Friday September 1 whether you’ll be coming.  It would be great, but not required, if you can bring something to share.  Monetary donations are also extremely welcome, and can be made here, or by check to the School, or at the event.

Aug
27
Mon
Council of Georgist Organizations Annual Conference @ holiday inn inner harbor baltimore
Aug 27 – Aug 31 all-day

The annual gathering of North American activists and educators promoting economic justice. The date and location are set, but other details will be posted to their site as they are determined.

Jun
25
Tue
Political Economy Book Club reads Jack London’s The Iron Heel @ Bridgeport Coffeehouse (Loop location)
Jun 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Bob Matter’s Political Economy Book Club is reading Jack London’s dystopian novel The Iron Heel On June 25 we’ll discuss chapters 1-13, and on July 23 chapters 14-25.  This 1908 text is available free from Project Gutenberg, in hardcopy from some public libraries, or as an audiobook.  You can buy used hardcopies for < $10 from several vendors.

We’ll meet at the East Loop location of Bridgeport Coffeehouse, 73 E Jackson Blvd.

Jul
23
Tue
Political Economy Book Club finishes Jack London’s “The Iron Heel” @ Bridgeport Coffee (Loop location)
Jul 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Bob Matter’s Political Economy Book Club concludes its discussion of Jack London’s dystopian novel The Iron Heel On July 23 we treat chapters 14-25.

We’ll meet at the east loop location of Bridgeport Coffee, 73 E Jackson.

Sep
2
Mon
Henry George Day @ Oakton Historic District--Mulford St, Evanston
Sep 2 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ghost of Henry George (Spokane, WA) Image credit: Terry Bain CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Henry George was born in Philadelphia on September 2, 1839, so we’ll celebrate his 180th birthday on Labor Day.  As usual, the event will be in a south Evanston back yard, beginning when we get some shade around 3:00, and continuing at least until dark (We do have indoor space in case of rain or extreme heat).

This is a potluck; bring something if you can and let Chuck know about it. Grilled sausages and some vegan stuff will be provided.  All alumni, friends, and prospective students of the School are welcome but you must let us know you’re coming.  Expect to find some soft drinks, beer, maybe wine if somebody brings some.

While the event is free, monetary donations will be gratefully accepted.

Oct
16
Wed
Political Economy Book Club discusses Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments (session 1) @ Bridgeport Coffeehouse (Loop location)
Oct 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adam Smith graphic
image credit: Behance CC BY-ND 4.0

Decades before Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith wrote what he seems to have considered a superior work, Theory of Moral Sentiments.  He wrote:

How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.

Wikipedia asserts:

Smith critically examines the moral thinking of his time, and suggests that conscience arises from dynamic and interactive social relationships through which people seek “mutual sympathy of sentiments.”[74] His goal in writing the work was to explain the source of mankind’s ability to form moral judgement, given that people begin life with no moral sentiments at all. Smith proposes a theory of sympathy, in which the act of observing others and seeing the judgements they form of both others and oneself makes people aware of themselves and how others perceive their behaviour.

The Theory of Moral Sentiments has been printed in numerous editions, and is also available free on line.  Smith revised the book throughout his lifetime; it’s best to avoid the first edition, and choose one published after his death in 1790.

In this session we’ll discuss parts 1-3 of the book, taking up parts 4-7 on November 20,

 

Nov
20
Wed
Political Economy Book Club discusses Theory of Moral Sentiments (session 2) @ Bridgeport Coffee (loop location)
Nov 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adam Smith graphic
image credit: Behance CC BY-ND 4.0

This is the second and concluding session for this book, covering parts 4-7.

 

Sep
22
Wed
Political Economy Book Club @ HGS at Signature Offices #2700
Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

“In 1606, approximately 105 British colonists sailed to America, seeking gold and a trade route to the Pacific. Instead, they found disease, hunger, and hostile natives. Ill prepared for such hardship, the men responded with incompetence and infighting. Only the leadership of Captain John Smith averted doom….” (from the book jacket).

Sep
2
Mon
Henry George Day @ Oakton Historic District--Mulford St, Evanston
Sep 2 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Henry George and the Dragon

Henry George was born in Philadelphia on September 2, 1839, so we’ll celebrate his 185th birthday on Labor Day.  As usual, the event will be in a south Evanston back yard, beginning when we get some shade around 3:00, and continuing at least until dark (We do have indoor space in case of rain or extreme heat).

This is a potluck; bring something if you can and let Chuck know about it. Grilled sausages and some vegan stuff will be provided.  All alumni, friends, and prospective students of the School are welcome but you must let us know you’re coming.  Expect to find some soft drinks, beer, maybe wine if somebody brings some.

While the event is free, monetary donations to the School will be gratefully accepted.