Constitution Quote by Ron Chernow
““Hamilton then picked up a slim volume on the table and turned it over in his hands. “Ah, this is the constitution,” he said. “Now, mark my words. So long as we are a young and virtuous people, this instrument will bind us together in mutual interests, mutual welfare, and mutual happiness. But when we become old and corrupt, it will bind us no longer.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, 2004
The quote warns that a constitution unites a virtuous society, but loses its binding power when citizens become corrupt.
In simple terms: A good constitution works only with virtuous people.
Key Takeaway
Uphold virtue to keep institutions effective.
Themes
politics
law
morality
society
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- government reform
- civic education
- constitutional amendment
- public accountability
Key Concepts
social contract
institutional decay
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies maintain virtue?
- What safeguards can prevent institutional decay?
A Different Perspective
If people are corrupt, even a strong constitution may fail.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
