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There are some who maintain that trade will regulate itself, and it is not to be benefited by the encouragements or restraints of government. Such persons will imagine that there is no need of a common directing power. This is one of those wild speculative paradoxes, which have grown into credit among us, contrary to the uniform practice and sense of the most enlightened nations.
Alexander Hamilton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Hamilton critiques the idea that trade can self-regulate without government intervention.

In this quote, Alexander Hamilton argues against the belief that trade can function effectively on its own without guidance or rules imposed by government. He refers to this notion as a 'wild speculative paradox,' highlighting that most enlightened nations recognize the necessity of a regulatory framework to ensure fair and efficient markets.

Themes

TradeGovernmentRegulationEconomicsHamilton

In practice

Example use cases

Quoting Hamilton during a debate on economic policy to emphasize the role of government.

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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.
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