Oliver Wendell Holmes: Taxes = Civilization
on Saturday, March 19, 2016Oliver Wendell Holmes Money Quote saying paying for society via all those things taxes fund, such as infrastructure, police & fire protection. Oliver Wendell Holmes said:
“I like to pay taxes. It is purchasing civilization” — Oliver Wendell Holmes
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This quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes expresses a positive view of paying taxes. He says that he likes to pay taxes because it represents purchasing civilization. By this, Holmes seems to mean that the funds collected through taxes support important functions of a civilized society like infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and other government services that improve quality of life for citizens.
His view suggests that while taxes impose a financial cost, the return on that investment is a stable and prosperous society. So in essence, Holmes is acknowledging taxes as a necessary contribution if one wants to enjoy the benefits of living in an advanced civilization supported by collective resources and governance. He appears to see taxes not just as an obligation but also an exchange that yields long-term societal value.
Birthday March 8, 1841 Died March 6, 1935