It is astonishing that so simple a truth should ever have had an adversary; and it is one among a multitude of proofs, how apt a spirit of ill-informed jealousy, or of too great abstraction and refinement is to lead men astray from the plainest paths of reason and conviction.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on how simple truths can be misunderstood due to ignorance and overcomplication.
Alexander Hamiltonβs quote emphasizes the irony of how simple truths can face opposition, often due to jealousy or excessive intellectualism. It suggests that such negative traits can divert individuals from clear, logical thinking and common sense, highlighting the need for humility and clarity in understanding fundamental realities.
In practice
In a debate about truth in politics, this quote serves as a caution against overthinking and losing sight of fundamental truths.
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.
You must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.
Let me go back to a fundamental thing we all used to agree on: information is power. That's why we became journalists in the first place.
A lack of seriousness has led to all sorts of wonderful insights.
Do not to let your feelings (very natural and usual ones) of momentary irritation and discomfort be seen by others don't (as you so often did and do) let every little feeling be read in your face and seen in your manner . . .
Does he council you better who bids you, Money, by right means, if you can: but by any means, make money ?
Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.
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