Sir Alex Fraser Tytler: Fiscal Policy
on Saturday, September 26, 2020Sir Alex Fraser Tytler Money Quote saying democratic society can be at risk of dictatorship due to fiscal policy of previous administrations. Sir Alex Fraser Tytler said:
“A democracy … can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largess of the public treasury. From that time on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the results that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship” — Sir Alex Fraser Tytler
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In this quote, Sir Alex Fraser Tytler seems to be warning about a potential downfall of democracy. Some key points:
- He notes that once voters realize they can elect candidates who promise to spend more public funds on popular programs/benefits, democracy may be threatened.
- Tytler suggests the “majority always votes” for such fiscal largesse, resulting in loose spending that weakens government finances over time.
- The consequence, according to Tytler, is the eventual “collapse” of democracy due to unsustainable debt and deficits.
- He implies democracy’s end may come through economic crisis or social unrest, paving the way for an authoritarian “dictatorship” to potentially seize power.
Overall, the quote conveys Tytler’s view that unrestrained public spending enabled by democratic elections could undermine stable self-governance if voters prioritize short-term benefits over long-term fiscal discipline and responsibility. The message is unchecked spending poses risks to democratic systems.