"The tax upon land values is the most just and equal of all taxes. It falls only upon those who receive from society a peculiar and valuable benefit, and upon them in proportion to the benefit they receive.It is the taking by the community for the use of the community of that value which is the creation of the community. It is the application of the common property to common uses. When all rent is taken by taxation for the needs of the community, then will the equality ordained by nature be attained."

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Source: Henry George (2006). “Progress and Poverty”, p.299, Cosimo, Inc.

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Henry George

Economist, Journalist

Henry George was an influential economist and social reformer known for his advocacy of land value taxation and his seminal work, 'Progress and Poverty.'

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