Let us try another way. Suppose the poor produce more and the rich consume less! Does it not seem likely that then the share of the poor would be bigger?
Well, then, we must turn the wisdom of the economists the other way up. We must say over-production of wealth cannot make poverty, for that means that the more of a thing is produced the less of that thing there is; and we must say that under-consumption cannot cause poverty, for that means that the more of a loaf you eat the more you will have left.
Such rubbish as that may do for statesmen and editors, but it is of no use to sensible men and women. Let us see if we cannot think a little better for ourselves than these very superior persons have thought for us. I think that we, without being at all clever or learned, may get nearer to the truth than some of those who pass for great men.
Now, what is it we have to find out? We want to know how the British people may make the best of their country and themselves.
We know they are not making the best of either at present.
There must, therefore, be something wrong. Our business is to find out what is wrong, and how it may be righted.
We will begin by asking ourselves three questions, and by trying to answer them.
These questions are—
1. What is wealth?
2. Where does wealth come from?
3. Where does wealth go to?
First, then, what is wealth? There is no need to go into long and confusing explanations; there is no use in splitting hairs. We want an answer that is short and simple, and at the same time good enough for the purpose.