Leadership is the cornerstone of any society, and the qualities that make a good leader—integrity, empathy, vision, and the ability to inspire—are universally recognized. However, history and experience suggest that certain professions may not cultivate these qualities as effectively as others. Among these professions is that of a tax collector, a role historically associated with extortion, corruption, and a predisposition toward exploiting others for personal gain. This article explores why making a tax collector your leader can be fraught with peril, as they may be wired to extort from the people rather than to serve them.
1. The Historical Stigma of Tax Collectors
The role of the tax collector has been fraught with negative connotations for millennia. In ancient times, tax collectors were often viewed as agents of oppressive regimes, tasked with extracting wealth from the populace to fill the coffers of kings and emperors. In many cases, they were known to abuse their power, collecting more than was due and pocketing the excess. This historical stigma is not unfounded; it is rooted in the reality that the role of a tax collector inherently involves taking from others, often by force or under duress. This can create a mindset that prioritizes the accumulation of wealth over fairness or justice.
2. Incentive Structures That Foster Exploitation
The profession of tax collecting is often structured around incentives that encourage exploitation. In many historical contexts, tax collectors were not salaried officials but were instead allowed to keep a portion of what they collected. This created a system where the more they extorted, the richer they became. Even in modern systems, where tax collectors are typically government employees, the role often involves navigating a complex web of rules and regulations that can be manipulated for personal gain. This environment can breed a mentality that sees people not as citizens to be served but as resources to be mined.
3. A Focus on Revenue Over Welfare
Tax collectors, by the very nature of their profession, are focused on revenue generation. Their primary goal is to ensure that the government collects as much money as possible. While this is a necessary function in any society, it is not the same as leadership, which requires a focus on the overall welfare of the people. A leader who is primarily concer
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