Consumption Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“It is fairer to tax people on what they extract from the economy, as roughly measured by their consumption, than to tax them on what they produce for the economy, as roughly measured by their income.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Leviathan, 1651
Taxing consumption rather than income targets wealth based on spending, aiming for fairness and efficiency.
In simple terms: Tax spending, not earnings, for fairness.
Key Takeaway
Consider consumption taxes.
Themes
economics
tax policy
fairness
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
policy
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- public finance
- policy design
Key Concepts
progressive taxation
behavioral incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- How would consumption tax affect low‑income households?
- Can consumption tax reduce inequality?
A Different Perspective
Consumption taxes may be regressive for low‑income spenders.
