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Alexander Hamilton Quotes
1750–1804 United States
Alexander Hamilton (11 January 1755 or 1757 – 12 July 1804) was a Founding Father of the United States, chief staff aide to General George Washington, one of the most influential interpreters and promoters of the U.S. Constitution, the founder of the nation's financial system, the founder of the Federalist Party, the world's first voter-based political party, the Father of the United States Coast Guard, and the founder of The New York Post.
United States Academics Businesspeople Economists Lawyers Also known as: Hamilton, Alexander
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As long as offices are open to all men and no constitutional rank is established, it is pure republicanism.
Debates of the Federal Convention (1787)
Here, sir, the people govern; here they act by their immediate representatives.
If they break this Union, they will break my heart.
When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
The passions of a revolution are apt to hurry even good men into excesses.
I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man.
Men are rather reasoning than reasonable animals, for the most part governed by the impulse of passion.
In the main it will be found that a power over a man's support [salary] is a power over his will.
We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.
I have thought it my duty to exhibit things as they are, not as they ought to be.
In the general course of human nature, a power over a man's subsistence amounts to a power over his will.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one.
It is a maxim deeply ingrafted in that dark system, that no character, however upright, is a match for constantly reiterated attacks, however false.
For why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do?
The Federalist Papers (1787)
It has been observed that a pure democracy if it were practicable would be the most perfect government. Experience has proved that no position is more false than this.
The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.
A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.
Constitutions should consist only of general provisions; the reason is that they must necessarily be permanent, and that they cannot calculate for the possible change of things.
The rights of neutrality will only be respected, when they are defended by an adequate power. A nation, despicable by its weakness, forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
The strongest passions, and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honorable or venial love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace.
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