Books Quote by Frédéric Bastiat
““Well, I ask the impartial reader, is it not childishness, and more than that, dangerous childishness? Is it not inevitable that we shall have revolution after revolution, if there is a determination never to stop till this contradiction is realized: -"To give nothing to government and to receive much from it"?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Essay, “The Government’s Role”, 1850
Critiques the paradox of demanding minimal taxes while expecting extensive public benefits, highlighting systemic inconsistency.
In simple terms: Demanding no taxes but expecting many services is contradictory.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address policy contradictions.
Themes
politics
economics
justice
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- public budgeting
- civic education
Key Concepts
public finance
social contract
paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile tax expectations with service demands?
- What reforms could resolve this paradox?
A Different Perspective
Such expectations can undermine fiscal sustainability.
![“Among the great men who have philosophized about [the action of the tides], the one who surprised me most is Kepler. He was a person of independent genius, [but he] became interested in the action of the moon on the water, and in other occult phenomena, and similar childishness.” quote by Galileo Galilei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/96d/galileo-galilei-2377_action_among-the-great-men-who-have-philosophiz_131150.jpg)
