--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There can be no return to prosperity…" description: "\"There can be no return to prosperity while the government (of Ontario) believes that taking money from the people who have earned it and giving it away..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/200/conrad-black-11016_believe_there-can-be-no-return-to-prosperity-whi_398337.png" --- # There can be no return to prosperity while the government… ![“There can be no return to prosperity while the government (of Ontario) believes that taking money from the people who have earned it and giving it away to the people who haven't, in exchange for their votes and regardless of merit, is the essence of fairness.” quote by Conrad Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/200/conrad-black-11016_believe_there-can-be-no-return-to-prosperity-whi_398337.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/200/conrad-black-11016_believe_there-can-be-no-return-to-prosperity-whi_398337.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/200/conrad-black-11016_believe_there-can-be-no-return-to-prosperity-whi_398337.png) > “There can be no return to prosperity while the government (of Ontario) believes that taking money from the people who have earned it and giving it away to the people who haven't, in exchange for their votes and regardless of merit, is the essence of fairness.” [Conrad Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/conrad-black/) ## 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 redistributive policies undermine prosperity because they take earned money from productive individuals and give it to others based on political favors rather than merit. **In simple terms:** Redistribution harms wealth when it’s based on votes, not merit. Key Takeaway Question policies that reward merit, not political patronage. Themes economics politics fairness government wealth distribution Mood critical analytical Type political economic philosophical When to use this quote - budget planning - tax reform - social welfare debates - political campaigns Key Concepts taxation redistribution meritocracy public policy Questions to Reflect On - Is wealth creation truly independent of redistribution? - How can societies balance fairness with incentive? A Different Perspective It may overlook the need for safety nets and social equity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Capitalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism/) [Essence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/essence/) [Fairness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fairness/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/money/) [Ontario](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ontario/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Prosperity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prosperity/) [Vote](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vote/) ## Related quotes > [As I watch government at all levels daily eat away at our freedom, I keep thinking how prosperity and government largesse have combined to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lyn-nofziger/as-i-watch-government-at-all-levels-daily-eat-away-at-our-freedom-i/) [Lyn Nofziger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lyn-nofziger/) > [Higher taxes still does not create prosperity for all. 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