Little more can reasonably be aimed at with respect to the people at large than to have them properly armed.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the general population's primary aim should be to be properly equipped for their own protection and responsibilities.
Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the people are adequately armed, suggesting that this is a foundational aspect of a society that values freedom and self-defense. By being 'properly armed,' individuals can safeguard their rights and contribute to the common good, highlighting the balance between personal liberty and societal responsibility.
In practice
In a discussion about individual rights and self-defense laws.
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.
Charity should be spontaneous. Calculated altruism is an affront.
Under international law, the responsibility for protecting civilians in conflict falls on the belligerents. Under military occupation, responsibility for the welfare of the population falls on the occupiers.
Creating without claiming, Doing without taking credit, Guiding without interfering, This is Primal Virtue.
That what appears to be egoism so often isn't.
Laws grind the poor, and rich men rule the law.
If you were dealing with the accumulated repressions of only one lifetime, it would be different. But these are the repressions of numerous lives. Nobody knows how many times you have been born, and how many societies have crushed you. And each time a different society, and all these societies destroying you in different ways... this is why you carry so many inner contradictions.
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