Chris Johns

back in the day.

But I'm ashamed of that claim now, because obviously I didn't teach you much about tech, did I?

Yeah, I mean, you're hinting there, really, the social contract, something that economists and philosophers have grappled with for a long period of time.

And there are so many different aspects of that.

I mean, some people I've spoken to over the years have often said to me that they think the social contract means that

nobody should hand over more than half their income to the state.

It's a point of view.

I think that it sounds at the superficial level, if not at a deeper level, somewhat reasonable, plausible, fair.

But everybody's definition of fairness and reasonableness is different, isn't it, Jim?

It is.

You have top rates of tax in Ireland that are at the marginal rate over 50%.

I think it's the rare person in Ireland that does actually hand over half their income.

but for some people it might come close.

I think some people might take issue with your assertion there that the rich pay for everything and get nothing back.

I mean, you do get your roads and your health service and your schools and all the other services that the state provides.

So you might argue that it's not good enough, that you don't get value for money.

I think that's a

frankly, a better, stronger argument for the people who pay their taxes, that you do get something, but it isn't good value for money.

So, yeah, we could have that discussion.

It could go on all day.