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What reason is there that he which laboreth much, and…

“What reason is there that he which laboreth much, and, sparing the fruits of his labor, consumeth little, should be more charged than he that, living idly, getteth little and spendeth all he gets, seeing the one hath no more protection from the commonwealth than the other?” quote by Thomas Hobbes
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“What reason is there that he which laboreth much, and, sparing the fruits of his labor, consumeth little, should be more charged than he that, living idly, getteth little and spendeth all he gets, seeing the one hath no more protection from the commonwealth than the other?”

Thomas Hobbes

About This Quote

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

Laborers who work hard yet consume little should be taxed more than idle people who spend everything they earn.

In simple terms: Hard workers should pay higher taxes than idle spenders.

Key Takeaway

Consider fairness in tax policy based on labor and consumption.

Themes

taxation fairness labor consumption

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • tax reform
  • public finance

Key Concepts

economic justice social contract wealth distribution

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is taxing laborers fair?
  • How to balance equity and incentive?
A Different Perspective

Hard work does not guarantee higher income to taxes.

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