Events

Sep
13
Wed
Orwellian Economics @ Overflow Coffee Bar
Sep 13 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

The purpose of Newspeak was not only to provide a medium of expression for the world-view and mental habits proper to the devotees of IngSoc, but to make all other modes of thought impossible. It was intended that when Newspeak had been adopted once and for all and Oldspeak forgotten, a heretical thought – that is, a thought diverging from the principles of IngSoc – should be literally unthinkable, at least so far as thought is dependent on words.

— George Orwell

Dan Sullivan

Something like this has happened to the field of economics, says Dan Sullivan.  Terms which had clear meanings to Adam Smith, J S Mill, and other classical economists have got distorted and redefined– or obliterated–  to prevent serious discussion of economic issues. Going back to the roots of political economy, Dan suggests the real point of a proper science of economics would be to efficiently satisfy the desires of the people, both individually and collectively.

Dan will help us distinguish between “rights” and “privileges,” “investments” and “acquisitions”,  and several distinct concepts that all get called “wealth.” He’ll address the difference between “means of production” and “capital,” and differentiate “human capital” from modern slavery.

You can understand today’s economic issues such as minimum wages, tax policy, international trade, housing costs, and unemployment, but only if you have a clear idea of the fundamental terms.  These terms can be readily comprehended by ordinary people and do not lead to any particular “left” or “right” public policy, but they facilitate informed communication.

There will of course be time for questions and discussion.

Based in Pittsburgh, Dan Sullivan is a popular speaker on economic issues, and Director of Saving Communities

Apr
12
Tue
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Apr 12 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm
Aug
21
Sun
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Rogers Park Library
Aug 21 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

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.

 

 

Sep
8
Thu
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Henry George School @ Signature Offices
Sep 8 @ 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm

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.

 

 

Oct
10
Mon
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Oct 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Oct 10 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
Nov
9
Wed
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Nov 9 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Dec
8
Thu
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Jan
12
Thu
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Jan 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oct
12
Thu
Introducing Progress and Poverty @ Signature Office Center
Oct 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm