death and taxes, (certain as) 💀💸
Definition: Absolutely inevitable. This iconic phrase, coined by the one and only Benjamin Franklin in a letter to Jean Baptiste Le Roy in 1789: “But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” perfectly captures the essence of life’s inescapable truths. It has been repeated, probably with a sigh, ever since.
Synonyms:
- The unavoidable duo
- Certainties of life
- Life’s two constants
Antonyms:
- Life’s mysteries
- Unpredictable fates
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “The only things that can survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches… and taxes.” — Hailey Beaumont
- “I’ve figured out why they call it the ‘payment deadline’— because if you miss it, you’ll curse your existence!” — John Pockets
Related Expressions and Idioms:
- As sure as the sun rises in the east
- Inevitabilities
- Two things certain in life
- Have had their day
- Out of one’s hands
Proverbs:
- “Death keeps no calendar.” — English Proverb
- “To death all men must bow.” — Jamaican Proverb
Inspirational Literature:
Books:
- The Dalai Lama’s Book of Living and Dying — Reflects on the inevitability of death and offers solace.
- Immortalized in Taxes: The Humorous History of Taxation by Ray Goodman — A whimsical take on the history of taxation.
Movies:
- Death Becomes Her — A comedic fantasy on the theme of immortality.
- The Truth About Cats & Dogs — Although unrelated, a charmingly unexpected juxtaposition to remind us life’s little surprises.
Suggested Music:
- “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw.
- “Time” by Pink Floyd.
Poetry:
- “Death, be not proud” by John Donne — A sonnet that personifies and diminishes death’s power.
### Who originally coined the phrase "Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes"?
- [x] Benjamin Franklin
- [ ] William Shakespeare
- [ ] Mark Twain
- [ ] Geoffrey Chaucer
> **Explanation:** Benjamin Franklin coined this iconic phrase in a letter to Jean Baptiste Le Roy in 1789.
### Which of these is another phrase meaning something is inevitable?
- [ ] As quick as a hare at a snail race
- [x] As sure as the sun rises in the east
- [ ] Dancing on the moon
- [ ] Skinning a cat in nine ways
> **Explanation:** "As sure as the sun rises in the east" is a phrase indicating something that's completely certain to happen.
### True or False: Taxes are only certain for those living in democratic countries.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. Taxes are a near-ubiquitous feature of governance and public finance in any form of structured society.
### Which of these is a humorous take on the inevitability of taxes?
- [x] "The only things that can survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches... and taxes."
- [ ] "Taxes are like gentle breezes."
- [ ] "I'll pay my taxes when pigs fly."
- [ ] "A world without taxes is like a fish imagining life on Mars."
> **Explanation:** “The only things that can survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches... and taxes,” combines levity with the legalistic inevitability of taxation.
### What genre does the movie "Death Becomes Her" fall into?
- [ ] Action
- [x] Comedy
- [ ] Drama
- [ ] Horror
> **Explanation:** "Death Becomes Her" is a comedic fantasy, exploring themes of immortality in a humorous light.
Farewell words: Remember, in navigating the humor and wisdom within these expressions, we find solace and joy. The truths of life—navigated with wit and grace—shape our journey. Embrace the certainty of change and laugh often along the way!
— C. Certitude Holmes
