Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Jean-Baptiste Colbert (French Statesman)

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619–83) was a French Statesman considered the architect of the economic system of prerevolutionary France. As chief minister to Louis XIV (1665–83,) Colbert reformed the country’s finances, expanded industry and commerce, and established the French Navy as one of the most formidable in Europe.

Born in Rheims, Colbert entered the service of Cardinal Mazarin (1651) and became the chief financial minister of Louis XIV (1661.) Colbert’s financial reforms doubled the revenue in ten years. He also reorganized the settlements in Canada, Martinique, and St. Domingo, provided a strong fleet, enhanced the civil code, and introduced a marine code.

Colbert founded the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres (1663,) Académie des Sciences (1666,) and Académie Royale d’Architecture (1671) and became a patron of industry, commerce, art, science, and literature. Louis XIV’s wars and the extravagance of the court undid all Colbert had achieved. He died bitterly disappointed, hated by the people as the cause of their oppressive taxes.

More: Wikipedia READ: Works by Jean-Baptiste Colbert

The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers with the smallest possible amount of hissing.
Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Topics: Taxes, Taxation

When a king creates an office, Providence at once creates a fool to buy it.
Jean-Baptiste Colbert

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