Caprice Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“Civil liberty is only natural liberty, modified and secured by the sanctions of civil society. It is not a thing, in its own nature, precarious and dependent on human will and caprice; but it is conformable to the constitution of man, as well as necessary to the well-being of society.”
About This Quote
Source Founding Document: The Federalist Papers, 1788
Civil liberty is natural but must be protected by societal rules and the constitution.
In simple terms: Freedom needs social safeguards.
Key Takeaway
Support and uphold civil liberties.
Themes
civil rights
law
societal order
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- public policy
- community governance
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
natural rights
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits should society place on liberty?
- How do laws reflect natural rights?
A Different Perspective
Balancing individual freedom with collective security can be contentious.
![“[If you understood the natural rights of mankind,] [y]ou would be convinced that natural liberty is a gift of the beneficent Creator to the whole human race, and that civil liberty is founded in that, and cannot be wrested from any people without the most manifest violation of justice.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/841/alexander-hamilton-619_civil-liberties_if-you-understood-the-natural-rights-of_545533.jpg)
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“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)
