What do you suppose he meant by saying and we have probably had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation?

The statement suggests a belief that the framers of the confederation may have overestimated the inherent goodwill and rationality of individuals within society. It implies that human nature is prone to self-interest and conflict, which could undermine the effectiveness of their governance structure. This reflection highlights a cautious view of human behavior, indicating that idealism may not align with the realities of political dynamics. Ultimately, it points to a need for safeguards against potential abuses of power and the fragility of unity in human affairs.