"In politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution"

This quote by Alexander Hamilton highlights the futility of using force and violence to convert people to a particular political or religious belief. Hamilton argues that it is absurd to attempt and force somebody to alter their beliefs through browbeating, as it is not likely to be effective. He compares this to religious persecution, where efforts to remove heresies through penalty and violence typically only serve to enhance the beliefs of those being persecuted. Hamilton suggests that rather of using force, it is much better to take part in open and considerate discussion to address distinctions in political and religions. This quote functions as a suggestion that real modification and understanding can not be attained through force, however through peaceful and rational discourse.