
In this bold, forward‑looking work, the author examines the paradox of a world capable of producing limitless wealth yet still haunted by poverty and social unrest. He traces how modern industry, despite its marvels, has generated over‑production, protective tariffs, and labor strife, leaving countless people without the basic necessities they ought to enjoy. By critiquing the prevailing economic doctrines of his time, he invites listeners to reconsider the very foundations of wealth distribution and social organization.
The narrative then turns to a concrete proposal: a new community—Freeland—planned for a tract of land in British East Africa. Here, the author envisions a society built on rational, cooperative principles that harness technological progress for the common good, free from the old constraints of guilds, trusts, and restrictive trade policies. As the first act unfolds, readers are drawn into the hopeful discussions of how such a settlement might be organized, financed, and governed, offering a fresh lens on how humanity could reshape its future.
Language
en
Duration
~19 hours (1127K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Christopher Lund and PG Distributed Proofreaders
Release date
2006-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1845–1924
A journalist, economist, and novelist, he imagined a freer and fairer society in his influential utopian book Freeland. His work blended sharp social criticism with a hopeful belief that people could build better systems together.
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