Confidence Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“To attach full confidence to an institution of this nature, it appears to be an essential ingredient in its structure, that it shall be under private and not a public direction-under the guidance of individual interest, not of public policy; which, would be . . . liable to being too much influenced by public necessity.”
About This Quote
Source Document: Federalist Papers, No. 78, 1788
Advocating private control of institutions to avoid excessive public influence, emphasizing individual interest over collective policy.
In simple terms: Private control limits public overreach.
Favor private governance for autonomy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- corporate governance
- regulatory bodies
- public‑private partnerships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How balance private interests with public good?
- What safeguards prevent private abuse?
Private control may ignore broader public welfare.