72 quotes
The system … is the best that the present views and circumstances of the country will permit.
In the usual progress of things, the necessities of a nation in every stage of its existence will be found at least equal to its resources.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
A tolerable expertness in military movements is a business that requires time and practice. It is not a day, or even a week, that will suffice for the attainment of it.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
But the success of attempts in this way, must evidently depend much on the manner of conducting them.
Report on Manufactures (1791)
This idea of an opposition between those two interests is the common error of the early periods of every country, but experience gradually dissipates it.
Report on Manufactures (1791)
To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted.
Report on Manufactures (1791)
There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself in acts of bravery and heroism.
The Farmer Refuted (1775)
And it is long since I have learned to hold popular opinion of no value.
In what can it be so useful, as in prompting and improving the efforts of industry?
Report on Manufactures (1791)
They are, upon that account, the greatest of all improvements.
Report on Manufactures (1791)
The manufactures of Iron are entitled to pre-eminent rank.
Report on Manufactures (1791)
There is yet a further and a weightier reason for the permanency of the Judicial offices, which is deducible from the nature of the qualifications they require.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
A garden, you know, is a very usual refuge of a disappointed politician. Accordingly, I have purchased a few acres about nine miles from town, have built a house, and am cultivating a garden.
In politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.
The Federalist Papers (1787)
Every power vested in a government is in its nature sovereign, and includes by force of the term a right to employ all the means requisite...to the attainment of the ends of such power.
Unless your government is respectable, foreigners will invade your rights; and to maintain tranquillity you must be respectable; even to observe neutrality you must have a strong government.
But the system which has been mentioned, is far from characterising the general policy of Nations.
Report on Manufactures (1791)
Every day proves to me more and more that this American world was not made for me.
To produce the desirable changes, as early as may be expedient, may therefore require the incitement and patronage of government.
Report on Manufactures (1791)