War, like most other things, is a science to be acquired and perfected by diligence, by perserverance, by time, and by practice.
Interpretation
War is a skill that requires study and consistent effort to master.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton suggests that mastering the art of warfare involves a disciplined approach, akin to learning a science. It highlights the importance of dedication, effort over time, and continuous practice in achieving proficiency in any field, especially one as complex and impactful as war.
In practice
In a speech about military strategy, quoting Hamilton can emphasize the importance of preparation and discipline.
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.
There's been some research in cognitive science, I'm told, that discloses that there have always been perhaps 10 to 15 percent of people who are, as Pascal puts it, so made that they cannot believe. To us, when people talk about faith, it's white noise.
Whether I'm wearing lots of makeup or no makeup, I'm always the same person inside.
A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society. ... A great society is simply a big and complicated urban society.
The American people need no course in philosophy or political science of church history to know that God should not be made into a celestial party chairman.
What is the purpose of life?...To be the eyes and ears and conscience of the Creator of the Universe, you fool!
It's tragic how few people ever 'possess their souls' before they die. 'Nothing is more rare in any man', says Emerson, 'than an act of his own.' It is quite true. Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their life is a mimicry, their passions a quotation.
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