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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.” quote by Michael Faraday
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“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.”

Michael Faraday

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.

Key Takeaway

Recognize emerging technologies' economic impact.

Themes

technology economics future policy

Mood

optimistic cautious

Type

political technological

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • energy markets
  • public policy
  • technology investment

Key Concepts

taxation innovation industrialization

Questions to Reflect On

  • Will new tech always become taxable?
  • How should governments regulate emerging tech?
A Different Perspective

Predicting economic value can be uncertain.

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