The work explores the concept of unearned increment, a term used to describe the increase in value of land due to external factors such as improvements made by others. It argues that this increase in value is not earned by the landowner but rather is an unearned benefit. The text examines the implications of this concept on issues such as taxation and property rights. The author presents various examples and case studies to illustrate the idea, including the impact of public infrastructure projects on surrounding properties. Throughout the work, the author critiques the notion that landowners are entitled to the full value of their property, arguing instead that a portion of this value should be considered unearned and subject to taxation or other forms of redistribution.
By Archibald Alexander · First published 1849 · Genre: Religious, Philosophical, Self-help