Taking Quote by David Sedaris
““You just take and take don´t you? Out there with your thumb in the air—not a care in the world, just grabbing whatever you can get. Yes, sir, you just take and take until you´re ready to burst. But what about giving? Did you ever think about that? Of course not—you´re too busy taking, Mr. Handout, Mr. Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee. Me, I´m what you call a ´taxpayer.´ Tax, it´s a... tariff that working people have to pay so that someone like yourself can enjoy a life of leisure. I give and give until I´ve got nothing left! Nothing! Then I turn around and give some more. I give and I give to all of Uncle Sam´s little takers, every last one of you, but what´s in it for me? I´ve been thinking that maybe it´s time I get a little something in retum. Yes, indeed, maybe it´s about time we try that shoe on the other foot for a change. You, my young friend, are going to wash my car inside and out. And you´re going to pay for it!””
About This Quote
The monologue satirically critiques a selfish, tax‑paying individual who exploits public resources while demanding reciprocity, exposing hypocrisy in entitlement culture.
In simple terms: Satire of entitlement and tax burden
Key Takeaway
Self‑interest blinds one to communal responsibility
Themes
satire
economics
social critique
hypocrisy
Mood
wry
critical
humorous
Type
satirical quote
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political cartoons
- social commentary essays
- stand‑up routines
- media analysis
Key Concepts
taxation
public good
selfishness
reciprocity
Practical Applications
- satirical writing
- civic education
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the speaker reveal about societal expectations?
- How does satire expose systemic inequities?
