American revolution Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“Our countrymen have all the folly of the ass and all the passiveness of the sheep.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the New York State Ratifying Convention, 1788
He criticizes the public for being both foolish and overly passive, lacking critical thought and decisive action.
In simple terms: People are both stupid and lazy.
Key Takeaway
Encourage critical thinking and active participation.
Themes
politics
human nature
leadership
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
political
critical.
When to use this quote
- voting
- public debate
- community organizing
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
civic responsibility
groupthink
passivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster more informed, active citizens?
- What structures reduce passive compliance?
A Different Perspective
Not all citizens are equally uninformed; education can mitigate folly.
![“[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)
![“The important point of this report [Montague, Massachusetts; July 7, 1774] may be summed up in six resolutions: 1. We approve of the plan for a Continental Congress September 1, at Philadelphia. 2. We urge the disuse of India teas and British goods. 3. We will act for the suppression of pedlers…” quote by Edward Pearson Pressey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/708/edward-pearson-pressey-61813_american-revolution_the-important-point-of-this-report-monta_135169.jpg)