--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If duties are too high, they lessen the…" description: "\"If duties are too high, they lessen the consumption; the collection is eluded; and the product to the treasury is not so great as when they are confine..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c01/alexander-hamilton-619_barriers_if-duties-are-too-high-they-lessen-the-c_311180.jpg" --- # If duties are too high, they lessen the consumption; the… ![“If duties are too high, they lessen the consumption; the collection is eluded; and the product to the treasury is not so great as when they are confined within proper and moderate bounds. This forms a complete barrier against any material oppression of the citizens by taxes of this class, and is…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c01/alexander-hamilton-619_barriers_if-duties-are-too-high-they-lessen-the-c_311180.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c01/alexander-hamilton-619_barriers_if-duties-are-too-high-they-lessen-the-c_311180.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c01/alexander-hamilton-619_barriers_if-duties-are-too-high-they-lessen-the-c_311180.jpg) > “If duties are too high, they lessen the consumption; the collection is eluded; and the product to the treasury is not so great as when they are confined within proper and moderate bounds. This forms a complete barrier against any material oppression of the citizens by taxes of this class, and is itself a natural limitation of the power of imposing them.” [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. High taxes deter consumption and limit government revenue, acting as a natural check against oppression. **In simple terms:** Excessive taxes hurt economy and curb power. Key Takeaway Keep taxes moderate to protect citizens. Themes taxation government economics citizen rights Mood cautious analytical Type policy economic When to use this quote - budget planning - public policy - tax reform - citizen advocacy Key Concepts fiscal policy political theory social contract Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance necessary revenue with citizen freedom? - What mechanisms ensure tax fairness? A Different Perspective Excessive taxes can also fund essential services, creating a trade‑off. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Barriers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/barriers/) [Bounds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bounds/) [Citizens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/citizens/) [Class](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class/) [Collections](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/collections/) [Confined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confined/) [Consumption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consumption/) [Duties High](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duties-high-2953759/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Form](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/form/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Imposing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imposing/) [Lessen Consumption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lessen-consumption-2953758/) [Limitation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/limitation/) [Material Oppression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/material-oppression-2953760/) [Materials](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/materials/) [Moderates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moderates/) [Natural](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/natural/) [Natural Limitation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/natural-limitation-2953757/) [Oppression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oppression/) [Products](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/products/) [Taxation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taxation/) [Taxes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taxes/) [Treasury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treasury/) ## Related quotes > [“I want to sharpen my pride on what strengthens me, my witness on what haunts me. 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