Every nation ought to have a right to provide for its own happiness.
Interpretation
Nations should have the autonomy to pursue what brings their people joy and fulfillment.
This quote by Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty in determining the happiness and welfare of its citizens. It suggests that each nation should have the freedom to pursue policies and practices that align with the well-being and contentment of its people, reflecting the fundamental principle that happiness can be self-defined and pursued by each society according to its values and circumstances.
In practice
A politician might use this quote to emphasize the importance of policies that promote citizen happiness.
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.
Embrace your life, count your blessings, and donβt complain about what you donβt have.
It's fun to have money, but the more money I get, the less interesting it becomes. If you don't have very much, you have to think about it. If you are starving, you become interested in food. If you are struggling to pay the bills, money becomes tragically important.
What brings fulfillment is gratefulness, the simple response of our heart to this life in all its fullness.
Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it.
The only way to avoid being miserable is not to have enough leisure to wonder whether you are happy or not.
A reasonable man needs only to practice moderation to find happiness.
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