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Nor should the argument seem strange that taxation may be…

“Nor should the argument seem strange that taxation may be so high as to defeat its object, and that, given sufficient time to gather the fruits, a reduction of taxation will run a better chance than an increase of balancing the budget.” quote by John Maynard Keynes
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“Nor should the argument seem strange that taxation may be so high as to defeat its object, and that, given sufficient time to gather the fruits, a reduction of taxation will run a better chance than an increase of balancing the budget.”

John Maynard Keynes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Excessive taxes can undermine their purpose; sometimes lowering taxes yields better fiscal outcomes than raising them to balance the budget.

In simple terms: High taxes can defeat their goal; cuts may work better.

Key Takeaway

Consider tax policy impacts before raising rates.

Themes

economics taxation policy public finance

Mood

analytical critical

Type

economic policy

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • tax reform debates
  • public spending decisions

Key Concepts

fiscal policy tax incidence budget balancing

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the long‑term effects of high taxes on growth?
  • When is a tax increase justified?
A Different Perspective

Tax cuts may reduce revenue needed for services.

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