Literary Quote of the Day

Today’s literary quote of the day is from Benjamin Franklin‘s The Way to Wealth.

Something those who (I plead guilty to this myself) complain a lot about taxes should remember…

“Friends,” says he, “and neighbors, the taxes are indeed very heavy, and if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have many others, and much more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or deliver us by allowing an abatement.”

Share your thoughts on today’s literary quote in the comment section of this post.

4 Responses to “Literary Quote of the Day”

1. Daniel CAZ Greenberg says:

   January 18, 2007 at 9:39 am

   Smart words from a smart cookie.
2. Gray says:

   January 18, 2007 at 9:57 am

   the expense of defending the society, and that of supporting the dignity of the chief magistrate, are both laid out for the general benefit of the whole society. It is reasonable, therefore, that they should be defrayed by the general contribution of the whole society, all the different members contributing, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities.
   Adam Smith, ‘The Wealth Of Nations’, 1776
3. Michael van der Galien says:

   January 18, 2007 at 11:06 am

   Daniel: yep. His works will never bore me, of that I am sure.
4. Sam says:

   January 18, 2007 at 4:42 pm

   Good quote.