Henry George: A Forgotten Forefather of Modern Basic Income

Author: Kai Konno

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Will Glovinsky

Easel: 75

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Within the history of Basic Income, Henry George is often viewed as a peripheral figure. Although his works like Progress and Poverty (1879) didn’t focus on cash transfers, a closer reading at his personal correspondences show a surprising support for unconditional cash transfers. As an active political figure in both the UK and the US, his impact on the movement lies in more than just his published works. His efforts in establishing the English Land Restoration League and running for Mayor of New York in 1886 were, at the time, the most impactful and successful attempt at a real implementation of basic income policy and likely inspired the next generation of basic income writers. By comparing George’s works to those of mid 20th century basic income proponents, this paper seeks to recontextualize George as an essential catalyst to the basic income proposals that are often considered in the modern world.