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Bears Quote by Calvin Coolidge

“Governments are necessarily continuing concerns. They have to keep going in good times and in bad. They therefore need a wide margin of safety. If taxes and debt are made all the people can bear when times are good, there will be certain disaster when times are bad.” quote by Calvin Coolidge
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“Governments are necessarily continuing concerns. They have to keep going in good times and in bad. They therefore need a wide margin of safety. If taxes and debt are made all the people can bear when times are good, there will be certain disaster when times are bad.”

Calvin Coolidge

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Policy Address, 1925

Governments must maintain fiscal buffers to survive economic cycles, avoiding over‑taxation in prosperity that leads to crisis in downturns.

In simple terms: Governments need safety nets for good and bad times.

Key Takeaway

Build fiscal reserves and balanced budgets.

Themes

fiscal policy government stability economic cycles

Mood

cautious pragmatic

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • budget planning
  • tax policy
  • economic forecasting
  • public administration

Key Concepts

public finance risk management budgeting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can governments balance safety with growth?
  • What mechanisms ensure equitable tax burdens?
A Different Perspective

Overly cautious reserves can limit necessary investment.

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