Arjun Khemani

A politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, economist, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation’s financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, and the New York Post newspaper. First secretary of the treasury, writer of The Federalist papers, a poor immigrant, an illegitimate son, died in a duel with the vice-president (at that time), who had all of these titles to his pride before even reaching his 50th birthday among other influential, controversial, and astounding things are what make up the soul of Alexander Hamilton.

Yet, titles don’t make a man worthy, it is his deeds and work which does. Hamilton proved it either way, though. His financial system and other incomprehensible work all done in a lifespan of 49 years was considered genius even by his most fierce rivals (of whom, it seems, he never had a shortage of, by the way). He spent his entire adult lifetime, fighting for Independence and then later forming the government which was indeed a tougher job than getting independence in the first phase. But oh, he fought and fought and never stopped. He would scribble down 1000 word essays sometimes in a day with amazingly controversial and significant subjects during that time. Hamilton’s words and writings were his strength and he always knew of how to best use them.

Alexander Hamilton, for me, is certainly the most inspiring person to have gone down in history. I recently finished reading his biography by Ron Chernow and have probably watched the musical “Hamilton” on stream TV written by Lin-Manuel Miranda countless times. He takes such an inspiring place in my mind for one simple reason. He just never stopped working. The Federalist papers, which he wrote 51 of the 85 lengthy essays in the series in a short span of just 6 months. He always pressed and supported for his stand on the constitution. He’s just done so much in his life, that some probably couldn’t even have done if they had three centuries to live and do the work. And recognize that all the work was very relevant and significant. Hamilton didn’t waste any time of his precious life, the exception being the Reynolds’s affair of course, or maybe that was productive too, who knows?

For anyone who hasn’t, I’d highly, highly recommend to read on Hamilton’s story and his incredible life led to serve his country and his self-respect.

“The human word machine” as Ron Chernow describes him in his book is perfectly apt for a man like Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was able to pump out words like no one else, faster and more eloquent than anyone else and more, more words than anyone. He was truly terrific, and for me it seems he died triumphantly and while maintaining what was so dear to him – his self pride.