Those who have a tolerable knowledge of human nature will not stand in need of such lights.
Interpretation
Understanding human nature reduces the need for external guidance.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton asserts that a solid grasp of human nature empowers individuals to navigate life's complexities without relying heavily on external advice or opinions. It highlights the importance of self-awareness and understanding those around us as a foundational skill that can guide our decisions and actions.
In practice
During a leadership seminar when discussing decision-making.
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.
We're all trapped. It's always 1734. All of us, we're stuck in the same time capsule, the same as those television shows where the same people are marooned on the same desert island for thirty seasons and never age or escape. They just wear more makeup. In a creepy way, those shows are maybe too authentic.
And I say also this. I do not think the forest would be so bright, nor the water so warm, nor love so sweet, if there were no danger in the lakes.
There is a destination but no way there; what we refer to as way is hesitation.
We cannot discuss human rights, when we are denying people the right to live.
Your believing or not believing in karma has no effect on its existence, nor on its consequences to you. Just as a refusal to believe in the ocean would not prevent you from drowning.
Something unpleasant is coming when men are anxious to tell the truth.
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