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Meaning
The quote argues that taxes are unpleasant, but also unavoidable if people want public services. It presents taxation as a tradeoff: the cost is disliked, but the benefits require funding. The phrase "necessary evil" shows reluctant acceptance rather than approval.
When It Was Said
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Who It Was Said To
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Historical Context
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Source
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Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed on Wikiquote as attributed, but no cited source is provided.
Did You Know?
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About Michael Bloomberg
American businessman and politician
Michael Bloomberg is an American businessman and politician. He is the co-founder and majority owner of Bloomberg L.P., and served as chief executive twice, first from 1981 to 2001 and then from 2014 to 2023. He was mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013. Bloomberg moved through several political affiliations over time. He left the Democratic Party in 2001 to run for mayor as a Republican, later became an independent in 2007, and returned to the Democrats in 2018 before seeking the party’s 2020 presidential nomination. He is also described as a centibillionaire, with his wealth listed at $109.4 billion as of March 2026.
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READ THE SOURCE
Books by Michael Bloomberg
Climate of hope
2017