George Edwards (writer) facts for kids

George Edwards (1752 – 17 February 1823) was a Scottish doctor and writer. He was known for suggesting many ideas to improve society and the economy.

Early Life and Career

George Edwards was born in 1752. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his degree in 1772. After finishing his studies, he worked as a doctor. He practiced medicine first in London, and later in a town called Barnard Castle in Durham.

Edwards's Ideas and Writings

Edwards spent many years, from 1779 to 1819, coming up with ideas for politics and society. He wrote many books and papers about his plans. He truly believed his ideas could make the country better.

Some of his books included:

• A certain Way to save our Country, and make us a more happy and flourishing people than at any former period of our history (published in 1807).
• The Practical System of Human Economy, or the New Era at length fully ascertained (published in 1816). This book explained how his ideas could help solve problems and improve everyone's lives.

Edwards was very confident in his mission. He even wrote that he felt "the Almighty has destined that I should discover his true system of human economy." He asked the House of Commons (the British Parliament) to use his plans. He said these ideas came from almost 50 years of thinking.

What Were His Proposals?

Edwards had many suggestions for how to improve the country. Some of his main ideas included:

• Removing taxes that made it hard for businesses to grow.
• Saving money and reducing how much the government spent.
• Selling some national properties, like Gibraltar.
• Making sure everyone paid income tax, not just some people.
• He also thought it was not important to pay off the national debt. He believed a "new and happy era" for humanity was coming.
• He suggested that government groups should manage all parts of society.
• He hoped everyone would act with true Christian values.

Edwards also wrote for people in France. He published an address called aux citoyens Français sur la Nouvelle Constitution. He also wrote Idées pour former une Nouvelle Constitution (Ideas for a New Constitution). This book aimed to help France and other nations become prosperous and happy.

George Edwards died in London on 17 February 1823. He was 77 years old.