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When occasions present themselves, in which the interests of the people are at variance with their inclinations, it is the duty of the persons whom they have appointed to be the guardians of those interests, to withstand the temporary delusion, in order to give them time and opportunity for more cool and sedate reflection.

— Alexander Hamilton The Federalist Papers (1787)

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Character

More quotes by Alexander Hamilton

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.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Alexander Hamilton (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.