There is a contentious debate about whether solely paying taxes is enough for each individual or having more responsible actions toward society is necessary. Although some argue that financial contribution through taxation should be viewed as a necessary but insufficient condition for social prosperity, I contend that as a human, each of us should contribute in an additional way for a better world.
Admittedly, it is understandable why some people say that paying taxes fulfills all social obligations since taxation is the foundation of modern societies. In many countries, the taxes that each citizen is required to pay are up to about 30% of their income or even more. Meaning that only through taxation are governments able to fund lots of fields such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and welfare. Furthermore, this perspective respects personal autonomy, allowing individuals to focus on their families and careers without social obligations. If people are forced to do work that they do not volunteer for, these effects can be reversed and cause dissatisfaction. Therefore, as long as citizens obey the law and pay taxes honestly, it can be argued that they have met their social duties.
However, this assumption may overlook the multifaceted nature of social cohesion and community well-being. Not only is paying taxes insufficient to fulfill all aspects of societies but also factors beyond monetary contributions, such as humanity and the environment. Firstly, volunteering, charity, non-profit organizations and many other actions aimed at disadvantaged people also contribute to a cohesive society. Alternatively, such direct involvement usually comes from citizens who are kindhearted, which fosters empathy, strengthens interpersonal trust, and addresses localized issues. While money can build hospitals or any healthcare system, it can not promote the relationships between people. Secondly, proper environmental stewardship usually stems from each citizen’s awareness. Thus, reducing waste or conserving energy is a matter of individual awareness, proving that a comprehensive society is built on the daily choices and compassion of its people, not just their fiscal contributions.
In my opinion, taxation provides a structural society, but it cannot replace personal involvement in community life. A society that consists of taxpayers who nevertheless lack empathy and mutual support is merely a functional robot, not a flourishing community. A sustainable society is the complementary force on citizens who are responsible toward the general community and surrounding environments.