Quote by William Cobbett
Nothing is so well calculated to produce a death-like torpor in the country as an extended system of taxation and a great national debt.
Summary
This quote suggests that the combination of an extensive taxation system and a substantial national debt can lead to a state of extreme inertia and stagnation within a country. The emphasis is placed on the idea that these financial burdens can create a negative impact on the overall well-being and productivity of a nation. It implies that excessive taxation and mounting debt can cause a metaphorical death-like paralysis, hindering progress and economic growth.