The idea of governing at all times by the simple force of law (which we have been told is the only admissible principle of republican government) has no place but in the reveries of those political doctors whose sagacity disdains the admonitions of experimental instruction.
Interpretation
This quote critiques the idea that law alone can govern society effectively, emphasizing the need for practical experience and wisdom in politics.
Alexander Hamilton reflects on the limitations of relying solely on the rule of law to govern a society. He argues that the complexities of human behavior and governance cannot be adequately addressed through theoretical principles alone; instead, real-world experience and understanding are essential for effective leadership and decision-making. Hamilton suggests that those who ignore the lessons learned through practical engagement are like 'political doctors' lost in their own idealistic visions, failing to appreciate the importance of adapting governance based on empirical realities.
In practice
During a political debate on the role of law and ethics in governance.
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.
Each piece, or part, of the whole of nature is always merely an approximation to the complete truth, or the complete truth so far as we know it. In fact, everything we know is only some kind of approximation because we know that we do not know all the laws as yet.
Only in solitude do we find ourselves; and in finding ourselves, we find in ourselves all our brothers in solitude.
The philosopher is not a citizen of any community of ideas, that is what makes him a philosopher.
Indolence and melancholy: Each generates the other. If one can speak of such feeble passions as generating anything.
If Liberia has failed, then, it is no evidence of the failure of the Negro in government. It is merely evidence of the failure of slavery.
No white American ever thinks that any other race is wholly civilized until he wears the white man’s clothes, eats the white man’s food, speaks the white man’s language, and professes the white man’s religion.
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