Our Unearned Increment
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 · 1,552 words
First lines
"He giveth (to) His beloved (in their) sleep. " - Psalm 127: 2
"It is vain for you," says the writer of the 127th Psalm, "to rise early and sit up late and eat the bread of sorrow, for so He giveth to His beloved (in their) sleep. " That is the true reading, and I want you to think about it. "God giveth to His beloved while they sleep. " Over and above what you have yourself achieved, you get something you have never worked for. And you get that, as it were, in your sleep. This is a beautiful thought, and there are three people to whom I want to offer it as God's comfort.
What this Textopian page supports
Our Unearned Increment is listed on Textopian as an essay by Archibald Alexander, dated 1849 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Archibald Alexander
- Date: 1849 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious, Philosophical, Self-help, Inspirational, Theological
- Length: 1,552 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Our Unearned Increment by Archibald Alexander
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Religious — The text explores themes of divine providence, trust in God, and spiritual comfort, central to religious literature.
- Philosophical — It delves into the nature of worry, human effort versus divine intervention, and the understanding of life's outcomes.
- Self-help — The work offers guidance on managing anxiety and disappointment, encouraging readers to trust in a higher power.
- Inspirational — It aims to uplift and motivate individuals facing challenges by highlighting the unseen blessings in life.
Tags
Economic Theory · Social Commentary · Critique of Capitalism · Philosophical Analysis · Sociological Study · Historical Context · Cultural Criticism · Marxist Influence · Class Struggle · Power Dynamics · Inequality · Privilege