Accumulation Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“There are respectable individuals, who from a just aversion to an accumulation of Public debt, are unwilling to concede to it any kind of utility, who can discern no good to alleviate the ill with which they suppose it pregnant; who cannot be persuaded that it ought in any sense to be viewed as an increase of capital lest it should be inferred, that the more debt the more capital, the greater the burthens the greater the blessings of the community.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Federalist Papers, No. 13, 1787
Hamilton argues that public debt, when managed, can be a national asset, not a burden, if viewed as capital for future growth.
In simple terms: Public debt can be useful if seen as capital.
Key Takeaway
Treat debt as investment, not just liability.
Themes
economics
public finance
government
policy
debt
capital
Mood
cautious
analytical
optimistic
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- government borrowing
- economic policy
- public works
Key Concepts
Fiscal responsibility
national wealth
public credit
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a nation ensure debt remains productive?
- What safeguards prevent debt from becoming a burden?
A Different Perspective
Debt can become a liability if mismanaged or over‑leveraged.
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