“To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted.” – Alexander Hamilton

This quote is taken from Hamilton’s  Report On Manufactures (1791).  The report in its entirety set the cornerstone to the American system of economics traceable through the Whigs and then through at least Abraham Lincoln’s administration.  It may be read in its entirety here:

Click to access rpt_manufactures.pdf