I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse and in a republican government more than in any other.
James MadisonRead
The great objects which presented themselves [to the Constitutional Convention] ... formed a task more difficult than can be well conceived by those who were not concerned in the execution of it. Adding to these considerations the natural diversity of human opinions on all new and complicated subjects, it is impossible to consider the degree of concord which ultimately prevailed as less than a miracle.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The task of creating the Constitution was exceptionally challenging, and the agreement achieved was remarkable given the diversity of opinions.
James Madison highlights the immense difficulties faced by the framers of the Constitution, emphasizing that their ability to reach consensus was a miraculous feat considering the varied and complex opinions that existed at the time. This suggests that collaboration and agreement in the face of adversity is both rare and significant.
Themes
ConstitutionConsensusDiversityAgreementChallengesHuman Opinions
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the founding principles of democracy, one might use this quote to illustrate the challenges in navigating diverse viewpoints.
More from James Madison
All quotes →No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause; because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time.
James MadisonRead
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism.
James MadisonRead
The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.
James MadisonRead
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
James MadisonRead
The magnitude of this evil among us is so deeply felt, and so universally acknowledged, that no merit could be greater than that of devising a satisfactory remedy for it.
James MadisonRead
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