Abstract
In this essay we examine the work of nineteenth-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau to see how his thought relates to common arguments for and against Basic Income. We find that Thoreau would be unlikely to champion cash grants as an anti-poverty measure, but that he would endorse a Basic Income variant meant to support the development of human potential.
About the author
Brent Ranalli is a Research Scholar with the Ronin Institute and serves as editor of the Thoreau Society Bulletin.
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