Who likes to pay taxes? The Swiss are particularly famous for their passionate aversion to giving the state what it demands for its functioning. People curse, vote no, change their residence, or evade taxes. The Swiss have never been known as loyal taxpayers. Their drive for freedom and instinctive distrust of those in power have always been too strong. Nevertheless, starting in the 19th century, a state financing model based on direct taxation of income and wealth began to take hold in the stubborn Alpine republic, enjoying high acceptance among the taxable population. This book tells the story of the long journey to that point, filled with political battles, popular uprisings, and tax scandals, but also with foresight, visions, and compromises. It aims to explore the state of mind of the Swiss taxpayer.