Experience teaches, that men are often so much governed by what they are accustomed to see and practice, that the simplest and most obvious improvements . . . are adopted with hesitation, reluctance, and slow gradations.
Interpretation
People often resist even simple improvements due to their habits and comfort with the status quo.
This quote by Alexander Hamilton reflects on the tendency of individuals to resist change, even when it comes to straightforward improvements. It suggests that familiarity and routine can lead to a hesitance in embracing new ideas or practices, indicating that overcoming this inertia requires effort and gradual adaptation.
In practice
In a motivational speech about embracing new challenges in the workplace.
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.
Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.
People feel like the system is rigged against them, and here is the painful part, they're right. The system is rigged.
the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
If I wanted to change the world, the last thing I would do is write a play.
If the world is upside down the way it is now, wouldn't we have to turn it over to get it to stand up straight?
The city of New Orleans showed America what it takes to rebuild a great place. We're all going together, and we're not leaving anybody behind.
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