Good and Hard

“Any man seeking control of the engines of the state, the better to accomplish his plundering, always promises to make the great businesses pay taxes — and the envious man cheers. But of course, no business ever paid a tax without passing it on to the consumer, and the envious man finds himself paying for the pillage he ardently supports. But don’t feel sorry for him; he is an envious fool and deserves everything he gets, both good and hard. A wise man hates all forms of envy” (Joy at the End of the Tether, pp. 55-56).