“I think the first duty of society is justice.”
Alexander Hamilton
JusticeSociety
Alexander Hamilton Quotes
American - Statesman|January 11, 1755 - July 12, 1804
50 FAMOUS QUOTES · STATESMAN
Alexander Hamilton Quotes
Read 50 of the best Alexander Hamilton quotes on liberty, government, justice and character from the Founding Father, Federalist Papers author and first U.S. Treasury Secretary.
“Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments.”
Alexander Hamilton
LibertyModeration
“A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.”
Alexander Hamilton
FinanceEconomics
“When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation.”
Alexander Hamilton
WarHuman Nature
“The honor of a nation is its life.”
Alexander Hamilton
HonourNation
“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
Human NaturePolitics
“Even to observe neutrality you must have a strong government.”
Alexander Hamilton
GovernmentStrength
“Here, sir, the people govern; here they act by their immediate representatives.”
Alexander Hamilton
DemocracyRepresentation
“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.”
Alexander Hamilton
LeadershipGovernment
“Every day proves to me more and more that this American world was not made for me.”
Alexander Hamilton
ReflectionDisappointment
“The passions of a revolution are apt to hurry even good men into excesses.”
Alexander Hamilton
RevolutionModeration
“A garden, you know, is a very usual refuge of a disappointed politician.”
Alexander Hamilton
GardeningWit
“It is long since I have learned to hold popular opinion of no value.”
Alexander Hamilton
IndependenceIntegrity
“No character, however upright, is a match for constantly reiterated attacks, however false.”
Alexander Hamilton
ReputationTruth
“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.”
Alexander Hamilton
LibertyCourage
“I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man.”
Alexander Hamilton
ImperfectionHumility
“Learn to think continentally.”
Alexander Hamilton
VisionUnity
“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
ConstitutionChange
“You should not have taken advantage of my sensibility to steal into my affections without my consent.”
Alexander Hamilton
FriendshipLove
“Power over a man's subsistence is power over his will.”
Alexander Hamilton
PowerIndependence
“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
GovernmentHuman Nature
“Men are rather reasoning than reasonable animals, for the most part governed by the impulse of passion.”
Alexander Hamilton
Human NatureReason
“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
NationResources
“I have thought it my duty to exhibit things as they are, not as they ought to be.”
Alexander Hamilton
HonestyDuty
“A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one.”
Alexander Hamilton
CourageNation
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About Alexander Hamilton
American - Statesman | January 11, 1755 - July 12, 1804
Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 – July 12, 1804) was an American Founding Father, born in Charlestown on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Orphaned as a boy, he worked as a clerk before moving to New York to study at King's College (now Columbia University). During the Revolutionary War he served as aide-de-camp to General George Washington and later led troops at the Battle of Yorktown.
Hamilton wrote 51 of the 85 essays in *The Federalist Papers*, which helped win support for the U.S. Constitution. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he created the nation's financial system, founded the first national bank and the Revenue Cutter Service, which later became the U.S. Coast Guard. He died after a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr in 1804. Today his face appears on the $10 bill, and his life inspired the hit Broadway musical *Hamilton*. Here are 50 of the best Alexander Hamilton quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Alexander Hamilton and these famous quotes.
Who was Alexander Hamilton?
Alexander Hamilton was an American Founding Father, a Revolutionary War officer, a principal author of *The Federalist Papers* and the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States (1789–1795).
What were The Federalist Papers?
*The Federalist Papers* were 85 essays written in 1787–1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay to persuade Americans to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Hamilton wrote 51 of them.
Which famous Hamilton quotes are misattributed?
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything" has no record in Hamilton's writings. "In framing a government... oblige it to control itself" is from James Madison's Federalist No. 51, and "It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government" comes from a modern film.
How did Alexander Hamilton die?
Hamilton was fatally wounded in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr in Weehawken, New Jersey, on July 11, 1804, and died the next day. Before the duel he wrote that he planned to "throw away" his first shot.
Why is Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill?
He appears on the U.S. $10 bill in honour of his role as the first Treasury Secretary and the architect of America's early financial system, including the national bank and public credit.
When was Alexander Hamilton born?
His birth date is usually given as January 11, 1755, though some records suggest 1757. Historians still debate the exact year.