I think it is a great error to consider a heavy tax on wines as a tax on luxury. On the contrary, it is a tax on the health of our citizens.
Interpretation
Thomas Jefferson argues that taxing wine is not just a luxury tax but one that affects public health.
In this quote, Thomas Jefferson emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader implications of taxation, especially on items like wine. He critiques the perception that such taxes are simply levies on luxury consumption, instead framing them as detrimental to the health and well-being of citizens, revealing a deeper responsibility of governance and economic policy concerning public health.
In practice
During a public health seminar, this quote could illustrate the connection between taxation and health outcomes.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
It is only in alert silence that truth can be.
God does not exist to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God.
The real meaning of persona is a mask, such as actors were accustomed to wear on the ancient stage; and it is quite true that no one shows himself as he is, but wears his mask and plays his part. Indeed, the whole of our social arrangements may be likened to a perpetual comedy; and this is why a man who is worth anything finds society so insipid, while a blockhead is quite at home in it.
Familiarity confounds all traits of distinction; interest and prejudice take away the power of judging.
We should be wary of politicians who profess to follow history while only noticing those signposts of history that point in the direction which they themselves already favour.
It's important to debunk the myths of Africa being this benighted continent civilized only when white people arrived. In fact, Africans had been creators of culture for thousands of years before. These were very intelligent, subtle and sophisticated people, with organized societies and great art.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.