Able Quote by Michael Faraday
“Why, sir, there is every probability that you will soon be able to tax it! Said to William Gladstone, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he asked about the practical worth of electricity.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Conversation with William Gladstone, 1870s
Faraday suggested that electricity would soon become taxable, implying its future economic importance.
In simple terms: Electricity will become valuable enough to be taxed.
Recognize emerging technologies' economic impact.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- energy markets
- public policy
- technology investment
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Will new tech always become taxable?
- How should governments regulate emerging tech?
Predicting economic value can be uncertain.