"The reward of energy, enterprise and thrift is taxes"

William Feather’s observation offers a wry commentary on the intersection between personal effort and government obligations. Energy, enterprise, and thrift are typically considered admirable qualities, traits that drive individuals to succeed, build wealth, and contribute positively to society. Energy refers to the vigor and determination to pursue goals, often resulting in increased productivity and innovation. Enterprise represents the willingness to take risks, start ventures, and push boundaries, frequently leading to economic growth and job creation. Thrift embodies prudence in managing resources, a discipline admired both in personal finance and business management.

Yet, Feather cuts through the rosy narrative, suggesting that these positive attributes, while beneficial in many respects, result ultimately in taxation. When an individual or a company channels energy into working harder or innovating, enterprise into launching successful businesses, or thrift into accumulating savings and capital, the inevitable outcome is government interest and increased tax obligations. The more resources one amasses, the more visible one becomes to the tax authorities, and hence, the greater one’s fiscal responsibilities to the state.

His words reflect a somewhat cynical acknowledgment of the relationship between personal achievement and public duty. Despite the virtues of industriousness and financial prudence, success is frequently met with higher tax bills. Implicit is a questioning of fairness or the discouragement that might arise in ambitious individuals who see a substantial share of their reward diverted to taxes. Nevertheless, there is also a subtle recognition of the social contract: prosperous societies fund their collective needs, public infrastructure, schools, security, through the redistribution facilitated by taxes. Feather’s phrase captures both the frustration and inevitability of this dynamic. It serves as a reminder that achievement, while personally satisfying and publicly lauded, also carries with it responsibilities and consequences that extend beyond the individual to the broader social framework.