Federalist No. 51
But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?Read in Books4Free →
Human Nature and the Need for Government
From The Federalist Papers by Hamilton, Madison, Jay
Publius grounds constitutional design in a sober view of human nature — passionate, self-interested, and prone to faction — requiring institutions that channel rather than presuppose virtue.
Federalist No. 6 (Hamilton)
Rejects the notion that commerce or republicanism softens human nature: 'Men are ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious.'
Read in Books4Free →Federalist No. 10
So strong is this propensity of mankind to fall into mutual animosities, that... the most frivolous and fanciful distinctions have been sufficient to kindle their unfriendly passions.Read in Books4Free →
Federalist No. 55 (Madison)
As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust, so there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence.Read in Books4Free →
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