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,
This is the second and concluding session for this book, covering parts 4-7.
“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).
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.
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.
Introducing Progress & Poverty (January 14) is the first session of this course. If you’re intrigued by the ideas presented there, you should enroll. Reading includes the full text of the book, or a modernized abridgement, as well as a few supplementary essays and question sets. Classes are in a discussion or seminar format, supplemented by some videos. Here is more about what you will and won’t learn in this course. An alternative course description is here.
We request a $25 donation to help cover expenses, but nobody will be turned away for inability to pay.
Introducing Progress & Poverty (January 14) is the first session of this course. If you’re intrigued by the ideas presented there, you should enroll. Reading includes the full text of the book, or a modernized abridgement, as well as a few supplementary essays and question sets. Classes are in a discussion or seminar format, supplemented by some videos. Here is more about what you will and won’t learn in this course. An alternative course description is here.
We request a $25 donation to help cover expenses, but nobody will be turned away for inability to pay.
Introducing Progress & Poverty (January 14) is the first session of this course. If you’re intrigued by the ideas presented there, you should enroll. Reading includes the full text of the book, or a modernized abridgement, as well as a few supplementary essays and question sets. Classes are in a discussion or seminar format, supplemented by some videos. Here is more about what you will and won’t learn in this course. An alternative course description is here.
We request a $25 donation to help cover expenses, but nobody will be turned away for inability to pay.