Thursday

Count Leo Tolstoy, (1828-1910)

Quite difficult matters can be explained even to a slow-witted man, if only he has not already adopted a wrong opinion about them; but the simplest things cannot be made clear even to a very intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he already knows, and knows indubitably, the truth of the matter under consideration. The only thing now that would pacify the people now is the introduction of the Land Value Taxation system of Henry George. The land is common to all; all have the same right to it. Solving the land question means the solving of all social questions... Possession of land by people who do not use it is immoral - just like the possession of slaves. The earth cannot be anyone's property. I sit on a man's back choking him and making him carry me and assure myself and others that I am sorry for him and wish to lighten his load by all possible means - except by getting off his back. Of all indispensable alterations of the forms of social life there is in the life of the world one which is most ripe... The method of solving the land problem has been elaborated by Henry George to a degree of perfection that under the existing state organisation and compulsory taxation, it is impossible to invent any better, more just, practical and peaceful solution. People do not argue with the teachings of George, they simply do not know it... He who becomes acquainted with it cannot but agree. People do not argue with the teachings of George, they simply do not know it... He who becomes acquainted with it cannot but agree. “ It's the ownership of land. The peasants never recognised the private ownership of land. They say that land belongs to God.....” In an interview with a New York Times reporter, July 20 1908. (Of course its the title to land which is owned, not its annual rental value)

No comments: