When will Labour learn that you cannot build Jerusalem in Brussels.
Margaret ThatcherRead
If one generation is expected to carry an excessive burden on behalf of another, it will seek by every means to avoid it. It will either demand that past promises are broken, or it will not work, or it will not pay taxes, or the most talented people will leave. Socialist governments which have tried to tax 'till the pips squeak' have ample experience of that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Overburdening one generation can lead to resistance and societal issues.
Margaret Thatcher's quote highlights the potential consequences when one generation is expected to bear excessive financial or social burdens for another. She suggests that such pressures can lead to various forms of rebellion or avoidance from the taxed or burdened generation, including demands for broken promises, reduced effort, tax evasion, or even emigration of the most talented individuals. This perspective underscores the importance of fair and responsible governance to maintain social harmony and societal contributions.
Themes
BurdenGenerationTaxationGovernmentSocietyPromises
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate discussing generational wealth and taxation.
More from Margaret Thatcher
All quotes →Never in the history of human credit has so much been owed.
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Israel must never be expected to jeopardize her security: if she was ever foolish enough to do so, and then suffered for it, the backlash against both honest brokers and Palestinians would be immense - 'land for peace' must also bring peace.
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If it's me against 48, I feel sorry for the 48.
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