Poverty seems to have always been a constant companion of human progress. As a minority of men has multiplied their wealth by whatever means, it has similarly occurred that a majority of men has become poorer. This anomalous trend was noted by Henry George in his Progress and Poverty. But noting that poverty is contrary to the natural outcome of progress, and observing that poverty does not derive from natural
causes, in spite of the natural error or common belief that it does one is led to curiously contemplate its true cause(s), and seek it. To investigate the principal cause or causes of poverty is the object of this Work.
I have in this Work repudiated, criticized and refuted specific views of some specific eminent economists and thinkers. My repudiations, criticisms and refutations
are in no way intended to diminish the general contributions of these writers to our stock of useful knowledge and information.
Yet, I have still gone further on to show the demonstrably uselessness of some of the most cherished beliefs and worshipped institutions. In this regard, I remain unapologetic and unrepentant, for no man should hold himself in reserve where institutionalized error
needs to be ferreted out by a patient, diligent, dispassionate, and systematic analysis that is contemptuous of the violence of arms but has the highest regard for clear thinking.
