The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity…
“The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spending today for future benefits, called funding, is essentially cheating future generations on a large scale.
In simple terms: Funding today is cheating future generations.
Key Takeaway
Beware of debt that burdens the future.
Themes
economics
ethics
future
public policy
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
economic
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- infrastructure projects
- social security
- education funding
Key Concepts
intergenerational equity
fiscal responsibility
public finance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance present needs with future obligations?
- What safeguards prevent exploitation of future generations?
A Different Perspective
May ignore immediate needs, but ignores long‑term sustainability.