Character Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“As riches increase and accumulate in few hands, as luxury prevails in society, virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard. This is the real disposition of human nature; it is what neither the honorable member nor myself can correct. It is a common misfortunate that awaits our State constitution, as well as all others.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Federalist Papers, 1788
Wealth concentration turns virtue into a luxury, undermining republican values and threatening constitutions.
In simple terms: Wealth makes virtue a luxury, harming republics.
Key Takeaway
Guard against wealth‑driven moral decline.
Themes
politics
ethics
economics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- wealth taxation
- public education
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
republicanism
social inequality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies preserve virtue?
- What reforms curb excess?
A Different Perspective
Implementation may face resistance from elites.
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![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
