Henry George
American economist who advocated a single tax on land values in 'Progress and Poverty'.
Most quoted
"The wide-spread poverty which everywhere exists in spite of the increase of productive power, and which manifests itself in the destitution of masses of men too poor to buy the products of industry, and in the consequent stagnation of industry, is a riddle which the political economy of the day has utterly failed to solve."
— from Progress and Poverty, 1879
"The truth that I have tried to make clear will not be all new to you. It is the truth that has been seen by great intellects in every generation, and has been proclaimed by inspired teachers and prophets as the law of God."
— from Progress and Poverty, 1879
"The ideal social state is not that in which each gets an equal amount of wealth, but in which each gets in proportion to his contribution to the general welfare."
— from Progress and Poverty, 1879
All quotes by Henry George (100)
The only true and natural tax is the tax on land values.
The single tax would abolish all other taxes, and thus free industry from its burdens.
The single tax would make land common property, without disturbing present possessions.
The single tax would make it impossible for any one to hold land out of use for speculative purposes.
The single tax would make it impossible for any one to grow rich by merely holding land.
The single tax would make it impossible for any one to profit by the growth of the community.
The single tax would make it impossible for any one to appropriate the unearned increment of land value.
The single tax would make it impossible for any one to live in idleness upon the labor of others.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to enjoy the full product of his labor.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to have a home and a comfortable living.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to be free and independent.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to develop his faculties to the utmost.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to live a noble and useful life.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to realize the highest aspirations of his nature.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to attain to the full stature of manhood.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to enjoy the blessings of civilization.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to participate in the progress of humanity.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to contribute to the common good.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to live in peace and harmony with his fellows.
The single tax would make it possible for every one to realize the ideal of human brotherhood.
Contemporaries of Henry George
Other Economicss born within 50 years of Henry George (1839–1897).