Alexander Hamilton Quotes
The changes in the human condition are uncertain and frequent. Many, on whom fortune has bestowed her favours, may trace their family to a more unprosperous station; and many who are now in obscurity, may look back upon the affluence and exalted rank of their ancestors.
Hamilton, Alexander. "A Full Vindication of the Measures of the Congress, 15 December 1774." The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, edited by Harold C. Syrett, vol. 1, Columbia University Press, 1961, p. 53.
Historically, there are two situations where major changes are made in societies: 1) After great crises—wars, depressions, plagues etc. 2) At times of great prosperity when people are feeling very generous and magnanimous.
Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, and economist. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation's financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, and the New York Post newspaper. As the first secretary of the treasury, Hamilton was the main author of the economic policies of George Washington's administration. He took the lead in the federal government's funding of the states' debts, as well as establishing the nation's first two de facto central banks, the Bank of North America and the First Bank of the United States, a system of tariffs, and friendly trade relations with Britain. His vision included a strong central government led by a vigorous executive branch, a strong commercial economy, government-controlled banks, support for manufacturing, and a strong military.
