Quote by Mortimer Caplan
There is one difference between a tax collector and a taxidermist -- the taxidermist leaves the hide.
Summary
This quote is a humorous commentary on tax collectors and taxidermists. It implies that tax collectors, whose role is to collect taxes from individuals or businesses, do so relentlessly without leaving any room for exemptions. On the other hand, a taxidermist, someone who prepares, stuffs, and mounts the skins of animals for display, leaves the hide intact while preserving the animal's exterior. The quote highlights the notion that tax collectors take everything they can, leaving individuals with little or no means to keep their resources, whereas a taxidermist only takes what is necessary for their craft.