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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…” quote by Alexander Hamilton
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“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.”

Alexander Hamilton

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.

Key Takeaway

Favor private governance for autonomy.

Themes

government private sector policy individualism

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • corporate governance
  • regulatory bodies
  • public‑private partnerships

Key Concepts

political theory institutional design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How balance private interests with public good?
  • What safeguards prevent private abuse?
A Different Perspective

Private control may ignore broader public welfare.

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