Hoover believed that rugged individuals who looked to no one but themselves, were the secret of American cultural vitality. If the government provided massive relief or sponsored huge handouts, it would be the first step in destroying the American spirit. He believed charity was a state and private concern, not something to be done by the Federal government. He also realized that the money for relief had to come from somewhere and could not all be readily borrowed. He did not see how increasing taxes to pay for relief would help the economy.