When men exercise their reason coolly and freely on a variety of distinct questions, they inevitably fall into different opinions on some of them. When they are governed by a common passion, their opinions, if they are to be called, will be the same.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Free reason leads to different opinions; common passion makes opinions alike.
- In plain terms
- Passion makes people agree; reason makes them differ.
- What can you take from it?
- Dissent shows freedom of thought.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are your opinions free or passionate?
Another view
Passion sometimes aids rapid consensus.
More from Alexander Hamilton
We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.
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