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It will be forgotten, on the one hand, that jealousy is the usual concomitant of violent love, and that the noble enthusiasm of liberty is too apt to be infected with a spirit of narrow and illiberal distrust. On the other hand, it will be equally forgotten, that the vigour of government is essential to the security of liberty.
Alexander Hamilton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Jealousy often accompanies intense love, and the spirit of liberty can sometimes lead to distrust; strong governance is crucial for ensuring freedom.

This quote by Alexander Hamilton reflects on the complex nature of emotions associated with love and liberty. It suggests that while passionate love can bring about jealousy, the quest for liberty may foster an inclination towards distrust among individuals. Furthermore, Hamilton emphasizes that a robust government is vital for maintaining the security of that freedom, hinting at the delicate balance required to uphold both personal emotions and societal structures.

Themes

JealousyLoveLibertyGovernmentSecurity

In practice

Example use cases

Discussing the complexities of love in a philosophy class.

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Quote by Alexander Hamilton | QuoteProject