"The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God; and, however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true to fact. The people are turbulent and changing, they seldom judge or determine right"

In this quote, Alexander Hamilton provides a vital perspective on the popular belief that the collective voice of the individuals reflects divine wisdom, typically encapsulated in the saying "Vox Populi, Vox Dei," suggesting "The voice of the people is the voice of God." Hamilton challenges this concept by arguing that popular opinion is regularly unstable and misguided. His assertion that "individuals are turbulent and altering" recommends that public sentiment is susceptible to variation, driven more by emotions and immediate issues than by reasonable consideration or constant principles.

Hamilton's suspicion towards the wisdom of the masses might be rooted in the context of the American Founding Fathers' wider disputes about democracy and governance. Having observed various political upheavals and mob actions in history, including those during the American Revolution, Hamilton and his contemporaries understood the potential dangers of direct democracy. They believed that the enthusiasms of the people could threaten the stability and durability of the republic if not inspected by institutions that ponder more carefully, such as the Senate or the judiciary.

The quote highlights Hamilton's advocacy for a republic where checks and balances, rather than direct rule by the majority, guide governance. His emphasis on individuals's propensity to hardly ever evaluate or determine appropriately strengthens the need for informed management and representative institutions. To Hamilton, real governance should reflect not just the instant desires of the masses however ought to also represent long-lasting stability and principles grounded in factor and justice.

Ultimately, Hamilton's insight provides a caution versus relating bulk opinion with moral or political truth. It welcomes reflection on how democracies can balance responsiveness to public will with the need for sensible governance that safeguards against the fickleness and passions of short-term popular viewpoint. His perspective remains appropriate in modern discussions about the complexities of popular opinion, populism, and the role of institutions in democratic societies.