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About this quote

What does it mean?
The current system discourages working by taxing it while rewarding not working.
In plain terms
Work is taxed heavily while not working is supported financially.
What can you take from it?
Tax policies should avoid discouraging work.

Where it applies

  • policy review
  • budget planning
  • economic reform

Putting it to work

  • reviewing tax codes
  • welfare reform

Questions to consider

  • How do taxes affect work choices?
  • What supports non-work?

Another view

This assumes all work is economically productive.

More from Milton Friedman

  1. We don't have a desperate need to grow. We have a desperate desire to grow.

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  2. What is not forbidden in Sweden, is obligatory.

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.

    Permalink to quote #39

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