On the record
In reality America is too rich; daily industry there is too common, too skilful, and too productive, for her to care much for fiscal burdens.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “In reality America is too rich; daily industry there is too common, too skilful, and too productive, for her to care…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot asserts that America's wealth and productivity lessen the impact of fiscal burdens on its citizens.
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More from Walter Bagehot
The casual line was traced according to the strength of deceased combatants; succeeding generations fought elsewhere; and the hesitating line of a half-drawn battle was left to stand for a perpetual limit.
Political philosophy is still more imperfect; it has been framed from observations taken upon regular specimens of politics and States; as to these its teaching is most valuable.
Just so the lines of our Constitution were framed in old eras of sparse population, few wants, and simple habits; and we adhere in seeming to their shape, though civilisation has come with its dangers, complications, and enjoyments.
At last it strikes you that they grew up, house by house, on the devious tracks of the old green lanes; and if you follow on to the existing fields, you may often find the change half complete.
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