This vice brings in one hundred million francs in taxes…
“This vice brings in one hundred million francs in taxes every year. I will certainly forbid it at once - as soon as you can name a virtue that brings in as much revenue.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Tax revenue from a vice is high; banning it would require a virtue that generates equal income, which is unlikely.
In simple terms: Taxing vice yields money; finding an equally profitable virtue is hard.
Key Takeaway
Consider the economic impact before banning vices.
Themes
economics
ethics
policy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- ethical legislation
- tax policy analysis
Key Concepts
taxation
public morality
revenue comparison
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues could match the revenue of the vice?
- Is financial loss a valid reason to keep a harmful practice?
A Different Perspective
Moral arguments may outweigh financial considerations.