Our countrymen have all the folly of the ass and all the passiveness of the sheep.
Interpretation
This quote critiques the behavior of people who blindly follow others without critical thinking.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton expresses his discontent with the tendency of the populace to lack discernment and active engagement in societal issues. He compares them to 'asses' and 'sheep,' suggesting that they exhibit foolishness and a passive acceptance of the status quo, thereby highlighting the importance of individual thought and action in a democratic society.
In practice
During a town hall meeting to inspire civic engagement among citizens.
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
I drew it over my skin like a violins bow, No one would ever hear the song of my shame.
Everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it serves you.
Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you.
Man is many things, but he is not rational.
It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!
I am not a Catholic; but I consider the Christian idea, which has its roots in Greek thought and in the course of the centuries has nourished all of our European civilization, as something that one cannot renounce without becoming degraded.
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