Desire Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“The desire of reward is one of the strongest incentives of human conduct; ... the best security for the fidelity of mankind is to make their interest coincide with their duty.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Federalist Papers, No. 16, 1787
The author argues that aligning personal interests with civic duty creates the strongest incentive for societal loyalty and security.
In simple terms: Align self‑interest with duty for security.
Key Takeaway
Tie personal gain to public responsibility.
Themes
ethics
governance
motivation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- public service
- corporate governance
- community projects
Key Concepts
social contract
incentive theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design systems that align interests?
- What examples show duty‑interest alignment?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest may conflict with duty.
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