Calling Quote by Russell Baker
“The Government cannot afford to have a country made up entirely of rich people, because rich people pay so little tax that the Government would quickly go bankrupt. This is why Government men always tell us that labor is man's noblest calling. Government needs labor to pay its upkeep.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Business, 1995
A government cannot rely on wealthy citizens for revenue because they pay minimal taxes, so it must depend on labor for funding.
In simple terms: Rich people pay little tax, so government needs workers to fund itself.
Key Takeaway
Ensure fair tax contributions from all income levels.
Themes
taxation
government
wealth inequality
labor
economics
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- policy making
- budget planning
- public services
- tax reform
Key Concepts
progressive tax
public finance
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can tax systems balance fairness and revenue?
- What role does labor play in sustaining public services?
A Different Perspective
Wealthy individuals may still contribute via consumption taxes and other levies.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
