People sometimes attribute my success to my genius; all the genius I know anything about is hard work.
Interpretation
Success is primarily the result of hard work rather than innate talent or genius.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the importance of hard work as the cornerstone of achievement. He counters the misconception that success is solely a product of genius, suggesting instead that diligent effort and perseverance are the true drivers of accomplishment.
In practice
In a motivational speech to students about the importance of diligence in their studies.
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.
Talent without effort is wasted talent. And while effort is the one thing you can control in your life, applying that effort intelligently is next on the list.
Good results is not an entitlement. It has to be earned and earned each individual working day via the lens of humility.
I played for Santos at 16, and we had an excellent team, so it helped a lot. And then I played for Brazil at the Maracana against Argentina. So I get more experience. This was one year before the World Cup, and it made a lot of difference.
So much easier to aim for the smallest possible audience, not the largest, to build long-term value among a trusted, delighted tribe, to create work that matters and stands the test of time.
Hope... is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes has within him the gift of miracles.
Control your own destiny or someone else will.
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