Amount Quote by Jean-Baptiste Colbert
“The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest amount of feathers with the least possible amount of hissing.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Advice to Louis XIV, 1665
Taxation should extract maximum revenue while minimizing public resentment.
In simple terms: Get lots of money with little protest.
Key Takeaway
Design taxes that feel fair.
Themes
tax policy
government
public sentiment
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- public budgeting
- policy reform
- tax reform
Key Concepts
fiscal efficiency
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can tax systems balance efficiency and fairness?
- What mechanisms reduce taxpayer resentment?
A Different Perspective
Too much focus on revenue can ignore equity and long‑term compliance.
