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.
Any car which holds together for a whole race is too heavy.
We do not despise all those who have vices, but we do despise those that have no virtue.
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder. Fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won.
They all err - Muslims, Christians, Jews and Magians. There are two kinds of humans - the intelligent, who have no religion, and the religious, who have no intellect.
The way up and the way down are one and the same.
There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith. All else is a dispute over trifles.
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