Character Quote by Alexander Hamilton
““While property continues to be pretty equally divided, and a considerable share of information pervades the community; the tendency of the people's suffrages, will be to elevate merit even from obscurity. As riches increase and accumulate in few hands; as luxury prevails in society; virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Federalist Papers, 1787
Wealth concentration turns virtue into a status symbol, eroding republican ideals.
In simple terms: Riches can make virtue seem optional.
Key Takeaway
Value merit over material status.
Themes
politics
wealth
virtue
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public discourse
- education reform
Key Concepts
Republicanism
social stratification
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure virtue remains central despite wealth?
- What mechanisms prevent merit from being obscured by riches?
A Different Perspective
Wealth can also fund virtuous projects, complicating the critique.
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