Ed. Note: This is from Evan Atlas, an active young man in upstate New York working on social causes, including Land value Taxation and Georgist goals.
He writes:
“I find Georgism interesting because I genuinely think it can appeal across the political spectrum, but only by appealing to different values/framings. For your audience which is already receptive to the Land Value Tax, here’s my pitch: The problem with being a Georgist is that you know how to solve some really big economic problems, but nobody hears “150-year-old tax policy” and thinks “how exciting and relevant!” I’ve come to believe that, when it comes to communicating complex ideas, games are often more effective than books or lectures. Lizzie Magie agrees. In 1904 she patented The Landlord’s Game to teach people about Henry George’s ideas. Over the course of the last century, it was forgotten and replaced with the decidedly non-Georgist game, Monopoly. My game, Prosperity, modernizes and re-imagines Magie’s. If you’ve ever wanted to tell someone about Georgism, but couldn’t find the words, just show them this game.“
Here is his introductory letter about his version of The Landlord’s Game:
Hello to the team at Common Ground USA,
I’m excited to be reaching out to you today about something of great interest and urgency. My name is Evan, and I am a published author, metamodern philosopher, and most recently the creator of a game called Prosperity. The goal of the game, in a word, is justice. I believe that games can be powerful social and political tools. And Prosperity is designed to be a firsthand education in some of the most important issues of our time: housing, affordability, development, and our relationship with the natural world. It is based on Lizzie Magie’s The Landlord’s Game, and is inspired by the economic philosophy of Henry George.
The game is free to play, but with a twist. The optional paid version of the game is actually a funding mechanism for a set of 10 featured charitable organizations. I chose these organizations because I believe they share my game’s mission of making my home region of New York (the Hudson Valley) more beautiful, equitable, and prosperous for all.
The game will officially launch on June 15, 2026.So here’s what I am asking in the meantime:
- Let me know if you have any questions or would like to set up an interview or brief phone meeting to discuss details. I also have a Press Kit available for your convenience.
- If you choose to help promote Prosperity, for example through an email list or social media, I ask that you do so on or after June 15th. I would be very grateful for your support in this endeavor.
Prosperity is run not-for-profit. The paid version of the game covers basic operating costs (such as website hosting), but 100% of the remaining funds go to charities.
Thank you so much for your time,
Evan Atlas