Abstraction Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“It is astonishing that so simple a truth should ever have had an adversary; and it is one among a multitude of proofs, how apt a spirit of ill-informed jealousy, or of too great abstraction and refinement is to lead men astray from the plainest paths of reason and conviction.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Federalist Papers, No. 12, 1787
A simple truth can be opposed by jealousy or over‑intellectualization, causing people to stray from clear reasoning.
In simple terms: Simple truths are threatened by envy and over‑analysis.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unnecessary complexity and jealousy.
Themes
reason
truth
jealousy
intellectualism
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- debates
- policy making
- academic discourse
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you let jealousy or over‑thinking cloud simple truths?
- How can you keep reasoning plain?
A Different Perspective
Complex arguments can obscure clarity rather than illuminate it.
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