Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: In a word, the taxes in the Roman Empire were so heavy, and in many respects so injudiciously laid on, that they have…

On the record
In a word, the taxes in the Roman Empire were so heavy, and in many respects so injudiciously laid on, that they have been not improperly considered as one cause of its decay and ruin.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke argues that heavy and poorly designed taxes contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire.

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