Progress and Poverty
Henry George, in his book “Progress and Poverty,” explains why there is an increased case of poverty, evils and income inequalities amid the world being rich in natural resources. He postulates in the book that natural resources are the enabler to understanding the economy, but due to the inability of others to see that has led to increased degradation of the environment and increase in poverty. This essay will look at the excerpt from Henry George’s book and answer various questions on progress and poverty.
The excerpts seek to explain why poverty exists whereas there is vast wealth in cities. He describes it as being caused by resources being unfairly and unequally distributed as modern civilization continues a situation that is bringing countries backward. He warns that if the situation continues, then various progress that has been made in the past will come to a standstill; thus, there is a need for the cause to be addressed. Henry says that in his reforms if systems of governance and social adjustments are done, which ensures that natural laws are obeyed, progress will be enormous. This document was intended to the audience with no education on political science, and that is why he explains how unequal distribution of resources as civilization goes on leads to increased poverty. Also, he provides reforms to those entitled with the allocation of resources so as foster progress in countries.
In the document, the author uses various pieces of evidence to support the main claims. The first key evidence is the use of research articles. To show the seriousness of the claims the author quotes ” That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by the creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness!”. Through this, the author puts in contest how men are denied their equal rights to land. The other key evidence of the author is the use of book and documents because, in the excerpt, it clears shows that it was extracted from Henry Georges book Progress and poverty.
Declaration of independence was the major national event that was happening when the document was written. This is where the nation exercises sovereignty over the territory and govern them. This major event was of great importance and influenced the writing of the document in such a way that, the ills of the society were outlined thus through self-rule the government of the day would address the issues of unequal distribution of resources therefore the enormous growth and progress of the country would be prioritized by the new regime.
The author made a convincing argument because all the issues addressed in the excerpt are true issues happening in different countries. Instances of unequal distribution of resources are enormous in many countries and also there is no political liberty in various countries and as invention goes on and starvation of wages increases, beggars increase in the streets. The causes of poverty as pointed out in the document are a true manifestation of what is happening in various countries and ignorance by those entrusted with the responsibility. It is also more convincing because the author points out our schools cannot enlighten ignorance caused by increased poverty.
In conclusion, the excerpt talks about the real issues that causes increases in poverty and how distribution of income and resources have been unevenly distributed leaving countries languishing in poverty. The document has also highlighted various reforms as postulated by Henry George that can help countries deal with poverty.