Alexander Hamilton Quotes

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.

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

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

It’s not tyranny we desire; it’s a just, limited, federal government.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The honor of a nation is its life.

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 nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master and deserves one.

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 inquiry constantly is what will please, not what will benefit the people. In such a government there can be nothing but temporary expedient, fickleness, and folly.

Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments.

A promise must never be broken.

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.