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Medicine Quote by Sydney Smith

“The schoolboy whips his taxed top; the beardless youth manages his taxed horse with a taxed bridle on a taxed road; and the dying Englishman, pouring his medicine, which has paid seven per cent, into a spoon that has paid fifteen per cent, flings him” quote by Sydney Smith
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“The schoolboy whips his taxed top; the beardless youth manages his taxed horse with a taxed bridle on a taxed road; and the dying Englishman, pouring his medicine, which has paid seven per cent, into a spoon that has paid fifteen per cent, flings him”

Sydney Smith

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Spectator, 1812

The quote satirically lists multiple taxes on everyday items, highlighting the absurdity and burden of excessive taxation.

In simple terms: Excessive taxes on daily life are absurd and burdensome.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for fairer tax policies.

Themes

taxation economics government burden satire social critique

Mood

critical ironic

Type

political satirical

When to use this quote

  • citizens
  • policy makers
  • economists
  • activists

Key Concepts

tax policy public finance economic justice government overreach

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do taxes affect daily life?
  • What reforms could reduce tax burdens?
A Different Perspective

Taxation can become oppressive when overapplied.

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