--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is the highest impertinence and…" description: "\"It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restra..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bf/adam-smith-1040_adam_it-is-the-highest-impertinence-and-presu_2444970.jpg" --- # It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore… ![“It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense. They are themselves, always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society.” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bf/adam-smith-1040_adam_it-is-the-highest-impertinence-and-presu_2444970.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bf/adam-smith-1040_adam_it-is-the-highest-impertinence-and-presu_2444970.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4bf/adam-smith-1040_adam_it-is-the-highest-impertinence-and-presu_2444970.jpg) > “It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense. They are themselves, always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society.” [Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Critique of government officials pretending to regulate private spending while themselves being the greatest spendthrifts. **In simple terms:** Officials claim to control spending but waste money. Key Takeaway Demand accountability from leaders. Themes politics economics hypocrisy Mood critical analytical Type analysis political When to use this quote - budget planning - tax policy - public administration - corporate governance Key Concepts public policy fiscal responsibility Questions to Reflect On - What reforms could curb such hypocrisy? - How can citizens enforce fiscal discipline? A Different Perspective Complex economic systems may limit simple solutions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Economics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics/) [Economy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economy/) [Invisible hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invisible-hand/) [Kings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kings/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Presumption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/presumption/) [Privacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/privacy/) [Spendthrift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spendthrift/) ## Related quotes > [If you look at the fact that the best chance we have for a good economy is the private sector. 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