I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that one should not expect flawlessness from those who are inherently imperfect.
Alexander Hamilton acknowledges the human condition by stating that perfection is an unrealistic expectation for any individual, as all people have flaws and limitations. This perspective invites a deeper understanding of human creativity and the acceptance of mistakes as part of the learning and growth processes.
In practice
During a team meeting, I shared this quote to emphasize the importance of accepting our colleagues' mistakes.
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 ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
How Do I Listen to others? As if everyone were my Master Speaking to me His Cherished Last Words.
You've got to love what's lovable, and hate what's hateable. It takes brains to see the difference.
Lucy went first, biting her lip and trying not to say all the things she thought of saying to Susan. But she forgot them when she fixed her eyes on Aslan.
A dozen times a day we come to a fork in the road and must decide which way we will go. It is important to get our ultimate objectives clearly in mind so that we do not become distracted at each fork in the road by the irrelevant questions: Which is the easier or more pleasant way? Or, Which way are others going?
Aspire to be like Mt. Fuji, with such a broad and solid foundation that the strongest earthquake cannot move you, and so tall that the greatest enterprises of common men seem insignificant from your lofty perspective. With your mind as high as Mt Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things happening near to you.
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