Extra mile Quote by Louis Dembitz Brandeis
““I live in Alexandria, Virginia. Near the Supreme Court chambers is a toll bridge across the Potomac. When in a rush, I pay the dollar toll and get home early. However, I usually drive outside the downtown section of the city and cross the Potomac on a free bridge. This bridge was placed outside the downtown Washington, DC area to serve a useful social service, getting drivers to drive the extra mile and help alleviate congestion during the rush hour. If I went over the toll bridge and through the barrier without paying the toll, I would be committing tax evasion ... If, however, I drive the extra mile and drive outside the city of Washington to the free bridge, I am using a legitimate, logical and suitable method of tax avoidance, and am performing a useful social service by doing so. For my tax evasion, I should be punished. For my tax avoidance, I should be commended. The tragedy of life today is that so few people know that the free bridge even exists.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Tax Policy, 1915
A satirical observation that using free bridges is clever tax avoidance, while toll bridges are taxed, highlighting social incentives.
In simple terms: Free bridges are clever tax avoidance, toll bridges are taxed.
Key Takeaway
Question incentives that shape behavior.
Themes
tax policy
social incentives
public infrastructure
ethical reasoning
economics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
Extra mile:1
Motivation:0
Rush hour:0
Social service:0
Tax evasion:1
Washington dc:0
Tax Avoidance:1
Paying Toll:0
Toll Bridge:1
Potomac Free:0
When to use this quote
- commuting
- urban planning
- tax strategy
Key Concepts
public policy
behavioral economics
law
Questions to Reflect On
- When does tax avoidance become unethical?
- How can infrastructure design influence fairness?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify legal distinctions.
