Government spending

It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers, to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expenses, either by sumptuary laws, or by prohibiting the importation of foreign luxuries. They are themselves always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society. Let them look well after their own expenses, and they may safely trust the private people with theirs. If their own extravagance does not ruin the state, that of their subjects never will.

-Adam Smith