40 Quotes & Sayings By Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, a Founding Father who helped write the Constitution, and a legendary figure in American history. He was also one of the most intriguing figures of his time. Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis, West Indies, to lifelong planters James A. Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler on January 11, 1755. His mother died when he was thirteen years old, and his father sent him to New York City to live with his uncle Read more

He was educated there by tutors until he entered King's College (now Columbia University) in 1773. That year he met James Madison, who became his best friend and political ally. Hamilton graduated from college in 1777, becoming an attorney soon after; that same year he married his cousin Elizabeth Schuyler. Alexander Hamilton's early career was shaped by two events that would later become vital to the shaping of American history: the Revolutionary War and the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

The war was entering its decisive stage when Hamilton joined the Continental Army as an aide to General George Washington in December 1777. The war ended in June 1783 with a decisive victory for the Americans over Great Britain at Yorktown, Virginia; however, the peace negotiations proved difficult and bitter. During this period Hamilton earned a reputation for sobriety and steadiness under pressure that earned him Washington's confidence to act as intermediary between him and Congress during the negotiations. Hamilton would later be appointed by Washington as Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1789–1795) to deal with French foreign minister Vergennes over the fate of various American prisoners captured by Great Britain during the Revolution; this diplomatic mission would prove crucial to America's future foreign policy during its infancy.

Most importantly however it allowed him to spend time drafting an essay laying out all existing knowledge about international affairs at that period. This essay became immensely popular with both public and politicians alike and presaged United States' international relations for next two decades: "The Subjection of Europe to America" (1790). It is still considered one of the best and most comprehensive analyses of international politics ever written by anyone: " So great has been our success that we have brought our enemies to their knees... not alone have we defeated them but we have humbled them... they are now begging for mercy... they know they are beaten...they dare not provoke us... Europe is ours." To further promote these ideals he spent considerable time during his tenure as

1
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 Divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power. Alexander Hamilton
An avaricious man might be tempted to betray the interests...
2
An avaricious man might be tempted to betray the interests of the state for the acquisition of wealth. No. 75 Alexander Hamilton
3
It has been frequently remarked, that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country to decide, by their conduct and example, the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force. Alexander Hamilton
4
When avarice takes the lead in a state, it is commonly the forerunner of its fall. Alexander Hamilton
5
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
6
Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of man will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint. Alexander Hamilton
7
Who talks most about freedom and equality? Is it not those who hold the bill of rights in one hand and a whip for affrighted slaves in the other? Alexander Hamilton
8
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. Instances might be cited in which a conduct of this kind has saved the people from very fatal consequences of their own mistakes, and has procured lasting monuments of their gratitude to the men who had courage and magnanimity enough to serve them at the peril of their displeasure. Alexander Hamilton
9
Am I then more of an American than those who drew their first breath on American Ground? Alexander Hamilton
10
The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of the people, and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions, to throw affairs into confusion, and bring on civil commotion. Alexander Hamilton
11
Those then, who resist a confirmation of public order, are the true Artificers of monarchy–not that this is the intention of the generality of them. Yet it would not be difficult to lay the finger upon some of their party who may justly be suspected. When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the advantage of military habits–despotic in his ordinary demeanour–known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty–when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity–to join in the cry of danger to liberty–to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion–to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day– It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may “ride the storm and direct the whirlwind. Alexander Hamilton
12
We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided. Alexander Hamilton
13
Power over a man's subsistence amounts to a power over his will. Alexander Hamilton
14
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
15
A national debt if it is not excessive will be to us a national blessing. Alexander Hamilton
16
Man is a reasoning rather than a reasonable animal. Alexander Hamilton
17
It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard against the oppression of its rulers but to guard one part of society against the injustice of the other part. Alexander Hamilton
18
Learn to think continentally. Alexander Hamilton
19
There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism Alexander Hamilton
20
Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition of others. Alexander Hamilton
21
I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man. Alexander Hamilton
22
There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism. Alexander Hamilton
23
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
24
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. Alexander Hamilton
25
Nobody expects to trust his body overmuch after the age of fifty. Alexander Hamilton
26
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
27
Power over a man's subsistence is power over his will. Alexander Hamilton
28
The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God; and, however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true to fact. The people are turbulent and changing, they seldom judge or determine right. Alexander Hamilton
29
In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself. Alexander Hamilton
30
There are seasons in every country when noise and impudence pass current for worth; and in popular commotions especially, the clamors of interested and factious men are often mistaken for patriotism. Alexander Hamilton
31
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government. Alexander Hamilton
32
Unless your government is respectable, foreigners will invade your rights; and to maintain tranquillity, it must be respectable - even to observe neutrality, you must have a strong government. Alexander Hamilton
33
Even to observe neutrality you must have a strong government. Alexander Hamilton
34
Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint. Alexander Hamilton
35
Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike. Alexander Hamilton
36
When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation. Alexander Hamilton
37
Men are rather reasoning than reasonable animals, for the most part governed by the impulse of passion. Alexander Hamilton
38
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
39
I think the first duty of society is justice. Alexander Hamilton