This course will examine how Gesell’s life experiences led him to a unique understanding of the creation and distribution of wealth. He concluded that the central idea of the free-market system is theoretically sound. However, it has never been properly implemented due to two fundamental flaws — an irrational form of money and the private ownership of land. Gesell’s simple yet radical analysis explains how these two factors are the primary causes of poverty, wealth inequality, economic instability, and a “growth imperative” that is at odds with the laws of nature.

The instructor, Josh Sidman studied economics and Japanese language at Union College in Schenectady, NY. Following graduation he went to work on Wall Street, first as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs in New York, and then as a Japanese equity derivatives trader at Morgan Stanley in London and Tokyo. Josh is the founder and director of the Silvio Gesell Foundation, aTennessee-based organization dedicated to promoting the theories and proposals of Silvio Gesell.

Dates: Mondays – 2/26, 3/04, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/03, 4/10, 4/17

Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM ET; Sessions on 4/10 and 4/17 will be 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET

Location: Online via Zoom

This course explains the fundamental relations between the factors of production utilized in the process of wealth creation and the natural laws that govern its distribution. We will use the interdisciplinary approach employed by Henry George in his writings to provide cohesive, evidence-based insights into why economies experience cycles of boom and bust. Additionally, the course will explain why societies continue to experience generational poverty and what measures can be adopted to bring these problems to an end.

The instructor, Edward J. Dodson is a retired banker, former director and long time faculty member of the Henry George School of Social Science.

Dates: Wednesdays – 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET

Location: Online via Zoom