--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is by far the safer course to lay…" description: "\"It is by far the safer course to lay [considerations of the future] altogether aside; and to confine our attention wholly to the nature and extent of t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/alexander-hamilton-619_attention_it-is-by-far-the-safer-course-to-lay-con_1083363.jpg" --- # It is by far the safer course to lay \[considerations of… ![“It is by far the safer course to lay [considerations of the future] altogether aside; and to confine our attention wholly to the nature and extent of the powers as they are delineated in the constitution. Everything beyond this, must be left to the prudence and firmness of the people; who, as they…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/alexander-hamilton-619_attention_it-is-by-far-the-safer-course-to-lay-con_1083363.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/alexander-hamilton-619_attention_it-is-by-far-the-safer-course-to-lay-con_1083363.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/alexander-hamilton-619_attention_it-is-by-far-the-safer-course-to-lay-con_1083363.jpg) > “It is by far the safer course to lay \[considerations of the future\] altogether aside; and to confine our attention wholly to the nature and extent of the powers as they are delineated in the constitution. Everything beyond this, must be left to the prudence and firmness of the people; who, as they will hold the scales in their own hands, it is to be hoped, will always take care to preserve the constitutional equilibrium between the General and State governments.” [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates focusing on current constitutional powers rather than speculative future scenarios, trusting the people to maintain balance. **In simple terms:** Focus on present powers, trust people. Key Takeaway Prioritize existing authority. Themes governance constitution prudence Mood analytical cautious formal Type political philosophical When to use this quote - legislative drafting - constitutional debate - public policy - civic education Key Concepts political theory federalism Questions to Reflect On - What are the dangers of ignoring future implications? - How can we balance present authority with future needs? A Different Perspective Neglecting future challenges can lead to rigidity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) [Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Consideration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consideration/) [Considerations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/considerations/) [Constitution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) [Equilibrium](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/equilibrium/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Prudence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prudence/) [State government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/state-government/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [“Do Americans still broadly believe that a president’s gradual assumption of dictatorial power must be halted? 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