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During today's philosophical meeting, most of the participants rather quickly "dropped out," and only five remained at the center of the discussion: Li Jun, the organizer; Kasu Kichigai, the owner of the "Vulture"; Creon, an Ascetic from Kriedaar; Ayko Virensenser, and Klin Chegver.
The culmination of this meeting was the question raised by Li Jun about the ethics and expediency of taxation.
— Pay a portion of your income, or else armored guards will break into your home, restrain you in front of your family, and throw you into a dirty, dark dungeon... — Kasu Kichigai was the first to speak. — You know what this reminds me of?...
— I understand what you're trying to say," Creon replied thoughtfully, "but unfortunately, within the framework of modern civilization, this is a necessary evil. How else will we take care of those who cannot provide for themselves and their loved ones, and at whose expense will roads be paved and hospitals built?
— Friend, what are you talking about? The poor are actually the worst off. Not only is his already "abundant" salary reduced even further, but every time he goes to the store, he pays more than he should, because entrepreneurs have to increase the cost of their goods and services to compensate for the expenses they incur due to mandatory contributions to the treasury. As for roads and hospitals, what prevents you and your neighbors from pooling your resources for them without the involvement of a third party? No one likes to live in filth, so these issues can be easily resolved among yourselves. So, you give 100 rem to the treasury; what should happen so that you get the same amount back? Let a tenth of what you give to Arselia pay off... And if you pay for what is needed, for the same roads, then a hundred will still be a hundred.
— But what about the incapacitated, the defense of borders, and maintaining order in the country?
— In exactly the same way. You and your neighbors maintain order in your area, and you live there according to your own rules. Something can be done about the army, again — defending the borders is in the interest of every resident; after all, all our property is here, and we wouldn't want to give it to invaders, ha-ha-ha! And as for those who cannot work, there is human empathy; you can help them at the expense of, let's say, the generosity of your own soul.
— Hmm, esteemed colleagues," Li Jun addresses Ayko and Klin, "what can you say about this interesting question?
The culmination of this meeting was the question raised by Li Jun about the ethics and expediency of taxation.
— Pay a portion of your income, or else armored guards will break into your home, restrain you in front of your family, and throw you into a dirty, dark dungeon... — Kasu Kichigai was the first to speak. — You know what this reminds me of?...
— I understand what you're trying to say," Creon replied thoughtfully, "but unfortunately, within the framework of modern civilization, this is a necessary evil. How else will we take care of those who cannot provide for themselves and their loved ones, and at whose expense will roads be paved and hospitals built?
— Friend, what are you talking about? The poor are actually the worst off. Not only is his already "abundant" salary reduced even further, but every time he goes to the store, he pays more than he should, because entrepreneurs have to increase the cost of their goods and services to compensate for the expenses they incur due to mandatory contributions to the treasury. As for roads and hospitals, what prevents you and your neighbors from pooling your resources for them without the involvement of a third party? No one likes to live in filth, so these issues can be easily resolved among yourselves. So, you give 100 rem to the treasury; what should happen so that you get the same amount back? Let a tenth of what you give to Arselia pay off... And if you pay for what is needed, for the same roads, then a hundred will still be a hundred.
— But what about the incapacitated, the defense of borders, and maintaining order in the country?
— In exactly the same way. You and your neighbors maintain order in your area, and you live there according to your own rules. Something can be done about the army, again — defending the borders is in the interest of every resident; after all, all our property is here, and we wouldn't want to give it to invaders, ha-ha-ha! And as for those who cannot work, there is human empathy; you can help them at the expense of, let's say, the generosity of your own soul.
— Hmm, esteemed colleagues," Li Jun addresses Ayko and Klin, "what can you say about this interesting question?