Civil government, so far as it is instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted for the defense of the rich against the poor, or of those who have some property against those who have none at all.

Adam Smith
About This Quote

Alexander Hamilton wrote, “Civil government… so far as it is instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted for the defense of the rich against the poor, or of those who have some property against those who have none at all.” In this quote from Alexander Hamilton, he presents the idea that civil government should be used to protect those who have resources and power over others. He posits that a strong civil government would be a powerful force for keeping people safe and prosperous.

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More Quotes By Adam Smith
  1. Civil government, so far as it is instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted for the defense of the rich against the poor, or of those who have some property against those who have none at all.
  2. The great source of both the misery and disorders of human life, seems to arise from over-rating the difference between one permanent situation and another. Avarice over-rates the difference between poverty and riches: ambition, that between a private and a public station: vain-glory, that between...
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  4. Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.
  5. Public services are never better performed than when their reward comes only in consequence of their being performed, and is proportioned to the diligence employed in performing them.
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