There goes civilisation...

If the state's income came from taxes, but these were a voluntary donation, how many self-satisfied high earners would be donating 40%?

I don't think an automatic deduction of income for the good of society grants you philanthropist status.

No, it doesn't grant me philanthropic status. But do you disagree that I have contributed in a tangible manner?

This isn't sarcasm, and I'm not being deliberately facetious -- but I'm curious as to what other people on this forum think their contributions to society have been. How do all the other people here justify their existence?