18 Quotes by John Ferling

The author characterizes Hamilton's tone in the Federalist papers by saying that he never spoke of problems but of being at the last stage in the crisis.

Jefferson attributes to a college professor and mentor his lifelong habit of questioning conventional wisdom.

Established churches not infrequently formed an alliance with the aristocracy , joining arm in arm against change.

Alexander Hamilton reflected as early as the middle of the Revolutionary War that rallying at the last minute was part of the national character of his countrymen.

Jefferson was the rare student who came to college already knowing that there could be joy in studying.

Pointing out the possible, and expensive, entanglements that could come with widespread commercial enterprise, the author calculates the Great Britain was at war half the time between 1689 and 1783.

Were people to mingle only with those of like mind, every man would be an insulate being." Thomas Jefferson

The author distinguishes George Washington's leadership from that of another aristocratic general whose temperament was somewhat cold. Unlike him, Washington made the effort to at least appear to suffer with his troops.

Jefferson reflected, "I think of her (a college infatuation) perhaps too much for my peace of mind. " Nevertheless, he was robbed of his considerable verbal powers when he got the chance to speak to the object of his affections.