Argument Quote by John Maynard Keynes
“Nor should the argument seem strange that taxation may be so high as to defeat its object, and that, given sufficient time to gather the fruits, a reduction of taxation will run a better chance than an increase of balancing the budget.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, 1936
Excessive taxes can undermine their purpose; sometimes lowering taxes yields better fiscal outcomes than raising them to balance the budget.
In simple terms: High taxes can defeat their goal; cuts may work better.
Key Takeaway
Consider tax policy impacts before raising rates.
Themes
economics
taxation
policy
public finance
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
policy
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- tax reform debates
- public spending decisions
Key Concepts
fiscal policy
tax incidence
budget balancing
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term effects of high taxes on growth?
- When is a tax increase justified?
A Different Perspective
Tax cuts may reduce revenue needed for services.
