Good and wise men, in all ages, have embraced a very dissimilar theory. They have supposed that the deity, from the relations we stand in to himself and to each other, has constituted an eternal and immutable law, which is indispensably obligatory upon all mankind, prior to any human institution whatever. This is what is called the law of nature....Upon this law depend the natural rights of mankind.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that natural law governs human behavior and rights, rooted in the relationship between humanity and the divine.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton posits that throughout history, wise individuals have recognized a fundamental set of principles—the law of nature—that governs human interactions and rights. This law is seen as inherent to mankind, dictated by the nature of humanity's relationship with the deity, and exists independently of human-made laws or institutions. Hamilton emphasizes that these natural rights are essential and universal, serving as the foundation for moral and ethical conduct.
In practice
In a speech about human rights, one could reference Hamilton's thoughts on natural law to emphasize the importance of universal rights.
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.
The imagination disposes of everything. It creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are the whole of the world.
Evelyn Waugh: How do you get your main pleasure in life, Sir William? Sir William Beveridge: I get mine trying to leave the world a better place than I found it. Waugh: I get mine spreading alarm and despondency and I get more satisfaction than you do.
Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do.
Democracies are indeed slow to make war, but once embarked upon a martial venture are equally slow to make peace and reluctant to make a tolerable, rather than a vindictive, peace.
We are here because one odd group of fishes had a peculiar fin anatomy that could transform into legs for terrestrial creatures; because the earth never froze entirely during an ice age; because a small and tenuous species, arising in Africa a quarter of a million years ago, has managed, so far, to survive by hook and by crook. We may yearn for a ‘higher answer’– but none exists
No one is free, even the birds are chained to the sky.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.