108 quotes by Henry George (1839-1897), American (Economist)

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Henry George

There are three ways by which an individual can get wealth—by work, by gift, and by theft. And, clearly, the reason why the workers get so little is that the beggars and thieves get so much.

Henry George

Capital is good; the capitalist is a helper if he is not also a monopolist. We can safely let any one get as rich as he can if he will not despoil others in doing so.

Henry George

Progressive societies outgrow institutions as children outgrow clothes.

Henry George

With industrialization the gulf between the employed and the employer is growing wider; social contrasts are becoming sharper—as liveried carriages appear, so do barefoot children.

Henry George

There is danger in reckless change; but greater danger in blind conservatism.

Henry George

Poverty is an open-mouthed, relentless hell which yawns beneath civilized society.

Henry George

Human labor is becoming the cheapest of commodities.

Henry George

When we consider that labor is the producer of all wealth, is it not evident that the impoverishment and, dependence of labor are abnormal conditions resulting from restrictions and usurpations, and that instead of accepting protection, what labor should demand is freedom. That those who advocate any extension of freedom choose to go no further than suits their own special purpose is no reason why freedom itself should be distrusted.

Henry George

Man is the only animal whose desires increase as they are fed; the only animal that is never satisfied.

Henry George

The man who gives me employment, which I must have or suffer, that man is my master, let me call him what I will.

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About the Author

Henry George

Born: September 2, 1839
Died: October 29, 1897
Nationality: American
Profession: Economist

Biography

Henry George was an American political economist and journalist. His writing was immensely popular in 19th-century America and sparked several reform movements of the Progressive Era. He inspired the economic philosophy known as Georgism, the belief that people should own the value they produce themselves, but that the economic value derived from land (including natural resources) should belong equally to all members of society. He argued that a single tax on land would create a more productive, more just society.

Related Authors

Alan Greenspan, Murray Rothbard, Edgar Fiedler, Robert Reich, John Kenneth Galbraith, Paul Samuelson, Milton Friedman, Thomas Sowell

HENRY GEORGE