Alexander Hamilton Quotes: 11 Sayings From Founding Father, First Treasury Secretary In Honor Of His Birthday

As unlikely as it might seem, largely because of a smash-hit musical, Alexander Hamilton is having a resurgence. That's despite the fact that Wednesday marks the day Hamilton was born some 262 years ago.

Hamilton helped push the country toward ratifying the Constitution, the document that has defined American life for centuries. He was the country's first Secretary of the Treasury and a major contributor to the Federalist papers, a series of essays from the founding fathers that defended the Constitution.

More folks have come to appreciate Hamilton, who died in a now infamous duel with Aaron Burr, because of the incredibly popular Broadway musical "Hamilton," written and performed by Lin Manuel Miranda. Listed below are 11 quotes, either spoken or written, from Hamilton for those looking to honor the founding father on his birthday, collected from Goodreads and Brainy Quote.

1. "Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all the power to the few, they will oppress the many."

2. "There are seasons in every country when noise and impudence pass current for worth; and in popular commotions especially, the clamors of interested and factious men are often mistaken for patriotism."

3. "I think the first duty of society is justice."

4. "I never expect a perfect work from an imperfect man."

5. "A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing."

6. "A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one."

7. "Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments."

8. "On the other hand, it will be equally forgotten that the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."

9. "The nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master and deserves one."

10. "Hard words are very rarely useful. Real firmness is good for every thing. Strut is good for nothing."

11. "A powerful, victorious ally is yet another name for master."