2013 Reprint of 1920 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "The Acquisitive Society" stands out as Tawney's most influential work of social criticism. One of his most widely read books, it criticized the selfish individualism of modern society. Capitalism, he insisted, encourages acquisitiveness and thereby corrupts everyone. The work reflected Tawney's Christian moral values, and exercised a profound influence in Britain and abroad, anticipating the Welfare state.