Alexander Hamilton Quotes

I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man.

Alexander Hamilton

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.

Alexander Hamilton

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

A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.

Alexander Hamilton

The history of human conduct does not warrant that exalted opinion of human virtue which would make it wise in a nation to commit interests of so delicate and momentous a kind as those which concern its intercourse with the rest of the world to the sole disposal of a magistrate, created and circumstanced, as would be a President of the United States.

Alexander Hamilton

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.

Alexander Hamilton

Here, sir, the people govern; here they act by their immediate representatives.

Alexander Hamilton

The system is the best that the present views and circumstances of the country will permit.

Alexander Hamilton

Real firmness is good for anything; strut is good for nothing.

Alexander Hamilton

Men give me credit for some genius. All the genius I have is this. When I have a subject in mind. I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. My mind becomes pervaded with it... the effort which I have made is what people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought.

Alexander Hamilton

Power over a man's subsistence amounts to power over his will.

Alexander Hamilton

We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.

Alexander Hamilton

Man is a reasoning rather than a reasonable animal.

Alexander Hamilton

Such a wife as I want... must be young, handsome I lay most stress upon a good shape, sensible a little learning will do, well-bread, chaste, and tender. As to religion, a moderate stock will satisfy me. She must believe in God and hate a saint.

Alexander Hamilton

The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.

Alexander Hamilton

When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation.

Alexander Hamilton

In the main it will be found that a power over a man's support (salary) is a power over his will.

Alexander Hamilton

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.

Alexander Hamilton

There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.

Alexander Hamilton

Even to observe neutrality you must have a strong government.

Alexander Hamilton