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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.
Margaret Thatcher
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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.

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