Adam Smith:

The expense of defending the society, and that of supporting the dignity of the chief magistrate, are both laid out for the general benefit of the whole society. It is reasonable, therefore, that they should be defrayed by the general contribution of the whole society, all the different members contributing, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities.

— Adam Smith Early Modern

Wealth of Nations, capitalism

Context

The Wealth of Nations, Book V, Chapter II, Part II, Article I

Date / Period

1776

Source

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3300/3300-h/3300-h.htm#link2H_4_0049

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

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