QuoteProject
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
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People frequently resist ideas not because of their merit, but due to their lack of involvement or dislike for the originator.

This quote by Alexander Hamilton suggests that opposition to certain ideas or proposals often stems from personal biases rather than their actual value. It highlights how individuals may reject concepts simply because they feel excluded from the decision-making process or harbor negative feelings toward those who proposed them, illustrating the importance of inclusivity in discussions and planning.

Themes

OppositionPlanningInvolvementBiasDecision-Making

In practice

Example use cases

In a meeting where new policies are introduced, one might quote Hamilton to highlight resistance from those feeling excluded.

More from Alexander Hamilton

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.
Alexander HamiltonRead
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.
Alexander HamiltonRead
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
Alexander HamiltonRead
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
Alexander HamiltonRead
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
Alexander HamiltonRead
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.
Alexander HamiltonRead

Similar quotes

The proper ending for any story about people it seems to me, since life is now a polymer in which the Earth is wrapped so tightly, should be the same abbreviation, which I now write large because I feel like it, which is this one: ETC.
Kurt VonnegutRead
Hindu Dharma is the quintessence of our national life, hold fast to it if you want your country to survive, or else you would be wiped out in three generations.
Swami VivekanandaRead
The vitality of thought is in adventure. Idea's won't keep. Something must be done about them. When the idea is new, its custodians have fervour, live for it, and, if need be, die for it. Their inheritors receive the idea, perhaps now strong and successful, but without inheriting the fervour; so the idea settles down to a comfortable middle age, turns senile, and dies.
Alfred North WhiteheadRead
When I consider this carefully, I find not a single property which with certainty separates the waking state from the dream. How can you be certain that your whole life is not a dream?
Rene DescartesRead
There are many levels of Christianity. There are many notions about God. To believe that God is a person is just one of the notions of God that you can find in Christianity. So, we should not say that there is one Christianity. There are many Christianities.
Nhat HanhRead
The rule of law means that law and justice are upheld by an independent judiciary. The judgments of the European Court of Justice have to be respected by all. To undermine them, or to undermine the independence of national courts, is to strip citizens of their fundamental rights. The rule of law is not optional in the European Union. It is a must.
Jean-Claude JunckerRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Alexander Hamilton | QuoteProject