The Acquisitive Society (1920)

The Acquisitive Society is a non-fiction book written by Richard Henry Tawney and published in 1920. The book is a critique of the capitalist economic system and its impact on society. Tawney argues that the pursuit of wealth and material possessions has created a society that is selfish, individualistic, and lacking in moral values. He believes that this acquisitive mindset has led to the exploitation of workers, the widening gap between the rich and poor, and the erosion of community and social cohesion.Tawney's analysis is rooted in a historical perspective, tracing the evolution of capitalism from its origins in the Middle Ages to the modern era. He examines the role of religion, politics, and culture in shaping economic systems and argues that the pursuit of profit has become the dominant force in modern society. Tawney also explores the relationship between capitalism and democracy, arguing that the two are often at odds with each other.The Acquisitive Society is a seminal work in the field of social and economic criticism. It has influenced generations of thinkers and activists, including the British Labour Party and the Fabian Society. Tawney's ideas continue to be relevant today, as debates about inequality, globalization, and the role of government in the economy continue to shape our world.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.