The Acquisitive Society (1920)

The Acquisitive Society is a book written by Richard Henry Tawney in 1920. This book is a critique of the capitalist system and the culture of consumerism that emerged in the early 20th century. Tawney argues that the pursuit of wealth and material possessions has become the dominant value in society, and that this has led to a decline in moral values, social cohesion, and individual well-being.Tawney's analysis covers a wide range of topics, including the history of capitalism, the role of the state and the market, the nature of work and leisure, and the relationship between economics and ethics. He argues that the capitalist system is inherently unstable and prone to crisis, and that it creates a culture of inequality and injustice.The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides a historical overview of capitalism and its development, while the second part examines the social and cultural consequences of the acquisitive society. The third part proposes a vision of a more just and equitable society, based on the principles of cooperation, community, and social responsibility.Overall, The Acquisitive Society is a thought-provoking and influential work of social criticism, and it continues to be relevant today in the context of ongoing debates about inequality, consumerism, and the role of the state in the economy.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.