Meaning: The quote "Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery" is attributed to Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States. This statement reflects Coolidge's belief in limited government intervention and fiscal conservatism. Coolidge, who served as president from 1923 to 1929, was known for his commitment to reducing government spending and taxation, as well as his advocacy for a free-market economy.

In this quote, Coolidge is expressing the view that excessive taxation constitutes a form of legalized theft. He is suggesting that when the government collects more taxes than it truly needs to fulfill its essential functions, it infringes upon the property rights of individuals and engages in a form of coercion akin to robbery. Coolidge's perspective on taxation aligns with the principles of classical liberalism, which emphasize the importance of individual liberty, limited government, and economic freedom.

Throughout his presidency, Coolidge pursued policies aimed at reducing government expenditure and lowering taxes. He believed that excessive taxation and government intervention in the economy hindered individual initiative and economic growth. Coolidge's approach to fiscal policy was influenced by the ideas of laissez-faire economics, which advocate for minimal government intervention in the economy and emphasize the importance of free markets and private enterprise.

During Coolidge's administration, he worked to reduce the national debt and cut federal spending, leading to a period of economic prosperity known as the "Roaring Twenties." His administration implemented tax cuts and sought to streamline government bureaucracy, aiming to create a more favorable environment for business and investment. Coolidge's commitment to fiscal discipline and limited government intervention reflected his belief in the principles of self-reliance and free enterprise.

The quote attributed to Coolidge continues to resonate with those who advocate for limited government and lower taxes. It encapsulates the belief that taxation should be kept to a minimum to avoid infringing upon the rights of individuals and stifling economic growth. From a philosophical standpoint, the quote reflects a deep-seated skepticism toward the expansion of state power and a preference for individual autonomy and economic freedom.

In contemporary political discourse, the quote is often cited in debates about taxation and government spending. Advocates for lower taxes and limited government frequently invoke Coolidge's words to express their opposition to what they perceive as excessive government intrusion into the economy. Conversely, critics argue that the quote oversimplifies the complexities of taxation and government finance, and that it fails to account for the need for public investment in services and infrastructure.

Overall, the quote by Calvin Coolidge encapsulates his belief in the importance of limited government and fiscal restraint. It reflects his commitment to individual liberty and economic freedom, as well as his skepticism toward excessive government intervention in the economy. Coolidge's words continue to provoke discussion and debate about the role of taxation and the appropriate scope of government authority in contemporary society.