Hamilton book chernow5/20/2023 "The peculiar heroism of his statesmanship is his utter fearlessness of unpopularity. He would meditate deeply on an issue, formulate a plan for what he believed to be the best practical outcome then, in faith that it was perfectly sound, state and adhere to it irrespective of how it was received by the majority: There is also an obvious admiration for Hamilton's apparent disregard of popular opinion. In this biography, Henry Jones Ford (1851-1925), professor of politics at Princeton University, while acknowledging Hamilton's flaws and errors, provides ample evidence of the capabilities and prodigious work-rate of the man. However, what is difficult to deny is that he was a man of high intelligence and ability who was exceptionally diligent in the performance of his public duties. The nature of Hamilton politically and personally will undoubtedly continue to be a subject of debate but, at the end of the day, it is simply a matter of perception. In Hamilton's own time, George Washington evidently held him in high esteem, whereas President John Adams referred to him as the "bastard brat of a Scotch pedlar". Others have regarded him as a pernicious advocate of big government and even a closet monarchist. Some have viewed him as a visionary statesman without whom the United States may not even have come into existence. Alexander Hamilton has been, and continues to be, a controversial figure in American history.
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