The Inevitable Truth: Death and Taxes
The phrase “death and taxes” is a well‑worn idiom that points to the only two certainties in life. It reminds us that, regardless of circumstance, these two realities are inescapable. But where did this saying originate, and how has it permeated our language and literature? Beyond a simple acknowledgement of life’s unavoidable ends, the phrase carries layers of meaning, often used to highlight power dynamics, societal burdens, and the human condition itself.
Origin of “Death and Taxes”
While the sentiment of acknowledging life’s certainties has existed for centuries, the specific pairing of “death and taxes” was first printed in 1726 in a work by Daniel Defoe. In his text, Defoe wrote, “Things as certain as death and taxes.” The phrase gained significant traction when Benjamin Franklin used it in an 1789 letter to Jean‑Jacques Rousseau. Franklin wrote, “In a country, there is no certainty greater than death and taxes.” Although there is no definitive proof that Franklin coined the phrase, his use of it helped cement its place in common parlance. The expression has since been adopted by writers, politicians, and everyday speakers worldwide.
What Does “Death and Taxes” Mean?
On a surface level, the phrase simply acknowledges the inevitability of both physical demise and financial obligation. However, it often implies a sense of resignation or even frustration. It can point out the relentless nature of societal demands or the power structures that enforce them. The phrase frequently suggests that some burdens are unavoidable, regardless of effort or circumstance. It also carries a philosophical weight, forcing us to consider our mortality and the systems that govern our lives. Think of it as a succinct expression of the human condition—a blend of acceptance and mild complaint.
Analysis: “Death and Taxes” in Literature
The enduring power of “death and taxes” lies in its versatility. Authors have employed it to explore diverse themes, ranging from political critique to existential dread. Let’s examine some examples:
Example #1: “Death and Taxes” by Urayoán Noel
The housewives laugh at what they can’t avoid
In single file, buckling one by one
Under the weight of the late summer sun,
They drop their bags, they twitch, and are destroyed.
He hears a voice (there is a bust of Freud
Carved on the mountainside). He tucks the gun
Under his rented beard and starts to run.
(“The housewives laugh at what they can’t avoid.”)
Like She‑bears fettered to a rusted moon
They crawl across the parking lot and shed
Tearblood. The office park is closing soon.
Night falls. The neighborhood buries its dead
And changes channels—Zap! Ah, the purity
Of death and taxes and Social Security.
Noel’s poem uses “death and taxes” as a jarring counterpoint to the mundane and often oppressive realities of suburban life. The image of housewives continuing their routines even as death occurs nearby highlights the detachment and inescapable nature of systemic forces. The inclusion of “Social Security” alongside death and taxes suggests that even in the face of mortality, we remain entangled in bureaucratic systems, underscoring a darkly humorous commentary on modern existence.
Example #2: “Death and Taxes” by Matthew Holloway
Death and taxes
~
They say we are all to know
death and taxes
so we better make the best
of whatever life brings
some keep on trying
in the face of adversity
governments enslaving laws
seemingly trying to break us
community stands strong
where we stick together
paying our way, biding time
living not surviving
taxes and death paid out
in sufferance but still
were still standing
Holloway directly addresses the phrase as a symbol of governmental power and societal pressures. The poem centers around the struggle to persevere despite these forces. The repetition of “death and taxes” emphasizes their inescapable nature, while the final lines, “were still standing,” offer a defiant message of resilience. The poem suggests that acknowledging these burdens is the first step toward overcoming them.
Example #3: “Death & Taxes” by Daniel Caesar (Song Lyrics)
“Surely my sins have found me out
God rest my soul, but show me out
Surely my sins have found me out
Spit on my grave, but kiss my mouth”“Surely we’ll live to see the day
When all of our problems, they fade away”“I see your heartbreak and I feel your pain
It’s funny how heaven and hell are the same
Come walk with me, I don’t play those games
I live in the real world, I’ve lost my faith.”
While the lyrics do not state the phrase directly, the title “Death & Taxes” frames the song’s themes of sin, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships within the context of life’s inevitable realities. Caesar explores the weight of guilt and the search for meaning in a world where suffering is commonplace. The song indirectly connects these themes to the idiom, suggesting that both death and taxes represent inescapable aspects of the human condition.
Example #4: “Death and Taxes” by Thomas B. Dewey (Novel)
Dewey employs “Death and Taxes” as a metaphorical title, hinting at the novel’s central themes of crime, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. The story revolves around a private detective caught in a web of deceit, highlighting the inevitability of consequences for illicit actions. The title suggests that, just as death and taxes are unavoidable, so too are the repercussions of wrongdoing. It’s a clever use of the idiom to foreshadow the story’s bleak outcome.
Beyond Literature: Common Usage and Further Considerations
The phrase “death and taxes” extends beyond literary analysis. It is woven into everyday conversation and political discourse. We often hear it used when discussing financial burdens, government policies, or simply acknowledging the unavoidable aspects of life.
Here are some common ways the expression appears in everyday speech:
- “Some people say that the only guarantees in life are death and taxes.”
- “No matter how well you plan, death and taxes are always lurking.”
- “Even when the government changes, death and taxes remain constant.”
- “She reminded her friends that no amount of money could avoid death or taxes.”
- “I know we can’t escape death and taxes, so we should plan wisely.”
Ultimately, “death and taxes” is more than just a cliché. It is a profound observation about the human condition—a reminder that some things are certain, and that acknowledging those certainties is the first step toward navigating the complexities of life.