The Land Question - Softcover

Empson Edward Middleton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0461585634 ISBN 13: 9780461585636

Publisher: HardPress, 2021

Synopsis

"The Land Question" by Empson Edward Middleton is a provocative treatise that links property in land with morality, justice, and national wellbeing. The work argues that there is no separate Christian morality opposed to pagan morality; rather, true morality rests on how land is owned and used within society. Middleton distinguishes modesty from humility, claiming modesty places people in the wrong social positions while humility elevates intellect and virtue, fostering genuine fellowship. The central sections—The Land Question, Thorougbredism, Education, Justice, and Population—examine how landholding concentrates wealth and power, undermines republican virtue, and distorts social life. Drawing on historical precedents from Peru’s Inca system to medieval England, the author argues that private property in land is not natural justice and that rents and land monopolies degrade the common good. He advocates radical reforms: paying off landowners, reforming taxation, encouraging population growth, and reconstituting the state’s role in land and public finance. Ultimately, the work envisions a society grounded in work, benevolence, and service to neighbor.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0461585634
• ISBN 13: 9780461585636
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 104