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The remaining revenue on the consumption of foreign…

“The remaining revenue on the consumption of foreign luxuries to domestic comforts, being collected on our seaboard and frontiers only, and incorporated with the transactions of our mercantile citizens, it may be the pleasure and the pride of an American to ask, What farmer, what merchant, what…” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“The remaining revenue on the consumption of foreign luxuries to domestic comforts, being collected on our seaboard and frontiers only, and incorporated with the transactions of our mercantile citizens, it may be the pleasure and the pride of an American to ask, What farmer, what merchant, what laborer ever sees a tax gatherer of the United States?”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that taxes on imported luxury goods, collected domestically, should be seen as a source of national pride rather than a burden on ordinary citizens.

In simple terms: Taxes on luxuries are a point of pride, not a burden.

Key Takeaway

View taxes as a patriotic contribution.

Themes

taxation national pride economics

Mood

pragmatic reflective

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • trade policy
  • public perception
  • economic education

Key Concepts

mercantilism public finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do luxury taxes affect income inequality?
  • Can patriotism justify regressive taxes?
A Different Perspective

It overlooks the impact of such taxes on lower‑income households.

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