FFQF: Alexander Hamilton on Virtue
I have to admit, that while the themes of liberty and virtue are terrific, and it has been a thrill for me to participate in examining them along with other FFQF bloggers, looking at how our nation fails to measure up to these standards can be very depressing.
So today, I am going to include what is more of an anecdote, with the quote, rather than a lesson in history or political theory (if my “lessons” measure up to that). However, it is no less relevant to this theme.
Today’s quote comes from Alexander Hamilton, and was recorded by his son John, in his magnificent, 7-volume work The History of the Republic of the United States, As Traced in the Writings of Alexander Hamilton and His Contemporaries. The following statement was made by Hamilton, in private conversation with a new Irish friend, simply called “Blake.” John C. Hamilton says that Blake related this conversation to him.
On [Hamilton's] return, addressing the Stranger [Blake] with tenderness and respect, he said, ‘I have seen Pendleton and formed the ground work of your preferment in life. Come home with me.’
After listening to his little history, [Hamilton] laid his hand upon his shoulder, and pressing it, remarked, “My friend, I pray God, you may ever preserve your virtue.” Some time after he invited him to reside in his family. One day at the table he turned to him, ‘How are your spirits?’ On hearing his reply — he remarked, “I have also experienced vicissitudes in life. I have labored with my head more than any man I know of. I have had my elevations and depressions of spirits. But I have never been happy, but when I was in the pursuit of Religion and of Virtue.”History, volume 7, page 741
In a way, it is fitting that this month’s theme should be concluded by an admonition to personal and private virtue, because that is where it must all start. We cannot expect to remain free, nor can we expect our rulers to exercise public and private virtue, if our own private virtue is not our top priority.
*Happy FFQF! If you participated, please link to your posts in the comments section below. Thank you!
5 Responses to “FFQF: Alexander Hamilton on Virtue”
October 31st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Nice post, Herky!
Mine is up: http://akagaga.blogspot.com/2008/10/ffqf-george-washington.html
And you’re right. This subject is depressing.
October 31st, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I have also provided a quote from Hamilton in my post:
http://sophronismos.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/436436/
October 31st, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Thanks so much everyone! Dave, it’s funny we picked the same guy!
Happy FFQF!
November 1st, 2008 at 1:42 am
What a wonderful story! It’s also neat that several of us related this week’s quotes to personal and familial virtue.
November 1st, 2008 at 2:06 am
Yes, Mrs. Mecomber. It is neat that it happened. And I like the story too.
I think that the theme for November may be a little more difficult, but it is related and important. But because it may be a little more difficult to find something on this, I will name it in advance:
November’s theme is (drum roll):
The Importance of MOTHERHOOD
A topic I’m sure all of you ladies will enjoy.
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