Society promises its members no half-way protection, no sham defence; it binds itself to them as they bind themselves to it.

It does not say to them, "I will shield you, provided it costs me nothing; I will protect you, if I run no risks thereby." It says, "I will defend you against everybody; I will save and avenge you, or perish myself." The whole strength of the State is at the service of each citizen; the obligation which binds them together is absolute.
How different with property! Worshipped by all, it is acknowledged by none: laws, morals, customs, public and private conscience, all plot its death and ruin.
To meet the expenses of government, which has armies to support, tasks to perform, and officers to pay, taxes are needed.

Let all contribute to these expenses: nothing more just.

But why should the rich pay more than the poor?
That is just, they say, because they possess more.

I confess that such justice is beyond my comprehension.
Why are taxes paid?
To protect all in the exercise of their natural rights--liberty, equality, security, and property; to maintain order in the State; to furnish the public with useful and pleasant conveniences.
Now, does it cost more to defend the rich man's life and liberty than the poor man's?
Who, in time of invasion, famine, or plague, causes more trouble,--the large proprietor who escapes the evil without the assistance of the State, or the laborer who sits in his cottage unprotected from danger?
Is public order endangered more by the worthy citizen, or by the artisan and journeyman?
Why, the police have more to fear from a few hundred laborers, out of work, than from two hundred thousand electors! Does the man of large income appreciate more keenly than the poor man national festivities, clean streets, and beautiful monuments?
Why, he prefers his country-seat to all the popular pleasures; and when he wants to enjoy himself, he does not wait for the greased pole! One of two things is true: either the proportional tax affords greater security to the larger tax-payers, or else it is a wrong.
Because, if property is a natural right, as the Declaration of '93 declares, all that belongs to me by virtue of this right is as sacred as my person; it is my blood, my life, myself: whoever touches it offends the apple of my eye.