Man is very much a creature of habit. A thing that rarely strikes his senses will generally have but little influence upon his mind. A government continually at a distance and out of sight, can hardly be expected to interest the sensations of the people. The inference is, that the authority of the Union, and the affections of the citizens towards it, will be strengthened rather than weakened by its extension to what are called matters of internal concern.
Interpretation
Humans are influenced by routine and familiarity, and distant authority may not engage their attention.
This quote by Alexander Hamilton highlights the nature of human behavior and governance. It suggests that people are often creatures of habit, meaning they are more responsive to familiar and frequent stimuli. When a government is distant and detached from the daily lives of its citizens, it struggles to evoke interest or loyalty. The quote implies that an engaged and present authority will resonate more strongly with its people, thereby reinforcing their connection and allegiance.
In practice
In a discussion about civic engagement, I might reference Hamilton's view on the influence of government proximity to citizens.
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.
It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.
We have need of history in its entirety, not to fall back into it, but to see if we can escape from it.
I took the world into me, rearranged it, and sent it back out as a question: "Do you like me?
Theories, books and ideas created within ivory towers had real-world consequences.
Be conscious first of thyself within, then think and act. All living thought is a world in preparation; all real act is a thought manifested. The material world exists because an idea began to play in divine self–consciousness.
I was brought up in a Jewish home, but I was brought up to be human - not fanatical, which is something that I don't appreciate at all. I learned to become a humanist and not to dwell on the differences between Jews and Christians.
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