We imagined that the mildness of our government and the wishes of the people were so correspondent that we were not as other nations, requiring brutal force to support the laws.
Henry KnoxRead
That taxes may be the ostensible cause is true, but that they are the true cause is as far remote from truth as light from darkness.
Interpretation
The statement argues that while taxes are presented as the cause of a problem, they are not the actual cause at all.
Henry Knox suggests that while taxes might appear to be the immediate issue at hand, they are not truly responsible for the situation being discussed. This highlights a deeper philosophical idea that superficial factors often distract from underlying causes, analogous to the difference between mere appearances and underlying truths.
In practice
During a discussion on economic reforms, this quote can be used to emphasize the need to look beyond surface-level issues.
Sin contains its own judgement and punishment.
Intuitive versus analytical? That's a foolish choice. It's foolish, just like trying to choose between being realistic or idealistic. You need both in life.
But if you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I think I am living for.
Religious War has signified the greatest advance of the masses so far, for it proves that the masses have begun to treat concepts with respect.
People are of two types, they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.
I ground my faith upon God's word, and not upon the church.
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