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Paul Fenwick

George argued that in almost all circumstances, a growing population meant there was *more* wealth available per person, not less.

The cause of poverty wasn't a lack of wealth, it was how that wealth was distributed.

In particular, anyone who is able to acquire and rent out *land* is going to gain wealth while producing *nothing* in return. Land speculators are even worse; they prevent the creation of wealth by sitting on land could be used for production.

🧵

4 comments
Paul Fenwick

George suggests the solution to this is a Land Value Tax (LVT). He points out at length it should only be on the land itself, and *never* the improvements on such land.

A Land Value Tax penalises speculation. It encourages the land to be used as productively and improved as much as possible. It lowers land prices considerably, meaning lower rents and more affordable housing. And it's not a tax one can avoid. You can't hide land.

You can read more—a lot more—at gameofrent.com/ .

🧵

Paul Fenwick

The reason I'm tooting about this is because in the city-builder I'm playing¹, the geometric increase in wealth from labour specialisation is noticeable. A small town struggles to keep everyone fed, clothed, housed, educated, healthy, and safe.

A large town is able to support hospitals, emergency services, schools, kindergartens, grocery stores, universities, and more. Specialised labour really does make each additional mouth to feed *easier*.

It's a good game. 🧵

¹ store.steampowered.com/app/784

The reason I'm tooting about this is because in the city-builder I'm playing¹, the geometric increase in wealth from labour specialisation is noticeable. A small town struggles to keep everyone fed, clothed, housed, educated, healthy, and safe.

A large town is able to support hospitals, emergency services, schools, kindergartens, grocery stores, universities, and more. Specialised labour really does make each additional mouth to feed *easier*.

Paul Fenwick

Anyway, here's the most comprehensive and accessible primer I've found for Henry George's ideas, written for a modern audience.

It's a long read, but it's very, very good, and much more understandable to the 21st century reader than the original book.

FIN/🧵

gameofrent.com/content/progres

Ken Scambler

@pjf Sweet, it's on Audible! Thanks for the rec. Got my eye on that Soviet game too

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