Progress and Poverty

What is the author’s vision of a civilization’s life cycle? How can civilizations escape it? Do you agree with the author’s assessment? Why or why not?

The contrast between technological advancement and the growth of wealth, on the one hand, and poverty, on the other, is the main topic in this book. Why does Henry George focus on this problem and what solution does he propose? How would you characterize the relationship between technology and poverty in the 21st century?

What are the three key features of industrial production? What is the relationship between them? What is their relevance to the main problem in this book?

To what ideology does the author subscribe and why? How do his views compare to those of other economic and political theorists of the time?

Why does the author focus on the Malthusian theory? If you were Malthus, how would you defend your theory against George’s critique?

What is Henry George’s solution to the question of private land ownership? How does he propose to accomplish it? Do you believe this is a viable solution? Why or why not?

Compare Henry George’s analysis of social relations under 19th-century capitalism to that of Karl Marx. What are the similarities and differences between them?

Do you agree with George’s assessment of the causes of poverty? Why or why not? Do you believe the issues of unequal wealth distribution can be resolved, and if so, how? If not, why not?